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02 Kia Optima brake light issue


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Cjack
Novice

Jan 31, 2012, 6:27 PM

Post #1 of 19 (10961 views)
  post locked   02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

2002 Kia Optima LX
4cyl
160k miles

Ok, the wife got pulled over yesterday due to her brake lights not working. I pulled all four bulbs and checked the filaments and they work fine. I tested this by flipping the bulb 180 deg while the running lights were turned on and both filaments lit up. I replaced the brake switch under the dash and still no avail. It can't be a ground issue because the running lights go off the same ground it looks like. I've checked all the fuses associated with the tail lights and they all looked great.. I even replaced every single one with new fuses just to be sure. I need help here im going crazy.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2012, 6:30 PM

Post #2 of 19 (10947 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

I don't know where you got the idea that flipping the bulb around will test the other filament. Either way, you still have just tail lights. Try another bulb.
Is the 3rd (high mount) brake light working?



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Cjack
Novice

Jan 31, 2012, 6:51 PM

Post #3 of 19 (10933 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

Well if u flip the bulb it the running light contact touches the brake light contact on the bulb and it will light up. Which it does. But its really hard to believe that all 5 (2rh / 2lh and high mount) of my brake/runnning light bulbs have gone bad all of the sudden? I can see that the filaments in all of the bulbs are still in good contact.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2012, 6:55 PM

Post #4 of 19 (10930 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

I'm not going to debate with you about how to test the bulbs but your technique does not test the brake light filament. You get tail lights in either direction. I agree that it is highly unlikely to be bulbs but they still need to be checked.
Once you have confirmed no power at the tail light, then you need to test for power in and out of the brake light switch.



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Cjack
Novice

Jan 31, 2012, 7:02 PM

Post #5 of 19 (10918 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

Im getting zero power to the brake lamp when the brake is engaged. The running lights work just fine. I stated earlier that I just replaced the brake light switch under the dash. I'm getting juice to the switch but I'm not entirely sure which of the four wires I need to be checking for juice.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2012, 7:14 PM

Post #6 of 19 (10911 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  


Quote
I'm getting juice to the switch but I'm not entirely sure which of the four wires I need to be checking for juice.


Then how do you know you have juice if you don't even know which wire to test? You're electrical knowledge leaves a lot to be desired and you should do more listening and less arguing. You should have tested for power in and out before ever replacing the switch.

Power comes in on the orange wire and goes back out on a silver wire. There are also a number of connectors between the switch and the bulbs that can have a bad connection.



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Cjack
Novice

Jan 31, 2012, 7:20 PM

Post #7 of 19 (10904 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

There is a blue, brown, orange, and a pink wire in the plug that goes into the brake switch. Do I need to just soley test the orange wire for power? I have a green, black, and pink/or red wire at the bulb. Which wire(s) do I need to test at the bulb and switch. I do not see a silver wire.

And Im not trying to argue im just really frustrated with this whole situation because the wife depends on this car to get her back and fourth to work and I can't afford to put my car in the shop.. Were a low income family.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Jan 31, 2012, 7:28 PM

Post #8 of 19 (10900 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

The diagram is calling it silver but it's also showing light blue in parenthesis so it could be that color. You need to have power all the time on the orange and power when the brake is applied on the other wire. The feed at the tail light is the same color as the wire coming out of the switch.







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Cjack
Novice

Jan 31, 2012, 7:34 PM

Post #9 of 19 (10896 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

I cant understand those diagrams for squat but I can test the orange and blue wire after the brake is engaged. I'll be right back with the results.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2012, 7:36 PM

Post #10 of 19 (10894 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

If you do have power coming out of the switch test it at the light with the brake applied too since you have never done that either.



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Cjack
Novice

Jan 31, 2012, 7:40 PM

Post #11 of 19 (10891 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

i pulled the plug to test to orange and im not getting anything.. I plugged it back in and tested the blue with brake applied and nothing either?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2012, 7:43 PM

Post #12 of 19 (10884 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

If yopu don't have power coming in, you certainly won't have it going out.
Check fuse marked "stop" using the test light. Make sure that fuse has power coming into it also.



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Cjack
Novice

Jan 31, 2012, 7:44 PM

Post #13 of 19 (10879 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

I've checked the fuse and it lit up with the tester. How do I test if it has power comming into it?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2012, 7:46 PM

Post #14 of 19 (10877 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

Did you test both sides of it?



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Cjack
Novice

Jan 31, 2012, 7:51 PM

Post #15 of 19 (10875 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

What do you mean both sides of it? I've got the fuse into the fuse panel. How do I test the fuse in the panel with my multimeter?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2012, 7:58 PM

Post #16 of 19 (10867 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

There is an electrical contact on each end that can be contacted with a pointed test light. If you're using a meter, use a paper clip or something to make the contact point smaller.





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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2012, 8:25 PM

Post #17 of 19 (10864 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

I assume you will come back and tell us if you find out you overlooked a blown fuse............right?



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KiaHelp
New User

Mar 31, 2013, 12:43 PM

Post #18 of 19 (9134 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

Hey Hammer,

I have an 02 kia optima that is having this same brake light issue. I replaced the bulbs as well as the brake switch (brake relay) with no luck. I had a buddy of mine who is a mechanic take a look at it with his tester tools (Sorry, car mechanic lingo is very foreign to me) he told me I am not getting connection to my fuses, however the fuses are in fact working when he tested them. I just want to know where I should go from here? He believes it has something to do with the "MS-Unit" or "MSD-Unit", he refers to it as the brains to the car if you will. Do you think we are going in the right direction? Any input and help would be greatly appreciated it, I really need to get my car back on the road before school starts back up from break, and do not want to drive around and endanger others lives, Thank you.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Mar 31, 2013, 12:47 PM

Post #19 of 19 (9126 views)
  post locked   Re: 02 Kia Optima brake light issue  

This is an old thread and belongs to someone else. Please read the FORUM RULES before posting.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







 
 
 






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