I have a 1998 Civic EX Coupe that when I use turn signals they work properly, but when I step on the brakes they stop working. As soon as I release the brake pedal they work again. I also notice the instrument lights dim when I step on the brakes. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like a bad bulb?

 

sounds like an alternator problem, or maybe your battery terminals are dirty if youre lucky.

 

yeah, get your electircal system checked at a local auto parts store. Most of them will do it for free.


Do you get the batterey idiot light on at all?

 

according to the wiring diagram in the haynes manual, the brake lights and the turn signals are wired together... somehow... I don't really know how to read this diagram [sm=helpout.gif] but maybe someone who does can help you out

 

Yeah I'd see if you can't find some crossed wires in the back. When I bought my 98 EX coupe it looked like someone had wired the spoiler themselves and it was a tangle of wires, and it wasn't hooked up right. I disconnected it and figured out what each wire was hooked up too (brake,reverse,etc) and connected the spoiler back up, it took a few tries but i got it going, i'd check in the trunk of yours and see if something like that isn't crossed but it's not the bulb and it's not the alternator... hope that helps, let us know

 

I replaced the tail light assembly on both sides due to a small fender bender and as I was doing that I noticed that the 3rd brake light was out. The one that is in the center near the back glass. I had a used bulb from the old tail lights and placed that in. This could be the problem. Thanks for all the input, I hope to have my daughters car back on the road soon. Thanks again.