Answer
Nov 02, 2022 - 02:49 PM
If your rear brake lights still don’t work after changing the bulbs, here are the most common things to check on your ’99 Civic:
- Brake light fuse: Pop open the under-dash fuse box (driver’s side). The brake light fuse is usually #13 (15A) — check it and replace if it’s blown.
- Brake light switch: This switch sits right above the brake pedal. Press the pedal and make sure you hear/feel the click — if it’s broken or out of adjustment, the lights won’t come on. You can unplug it and test for continuity with a multimeter.
- Ground connection: The rear lights share a ground — if it’s corroded or loose (usually bolted behind one of the tail lamp housings), none of the bulbs will light up even if power’s good.
- Wiring or connector corrosion: Check the tail light connectors for any greenish corrosion or broken wires. Common on older Civics.
- Bulbs installed backward or wrong type: Make sure you used the right dual-filament bulbs (1157 type for most trims). Sometimes people accidentally put in single-filament ones.
Start with the fuse and brake switch — those are by far the most common culprits. In any case, the manual should help you perform a thorough diagnostic to find the true cause.
