2008 Tribeca no brake lights

d_train1

Hi guys & gals,
My 2008 Tribeca has no brake lights at the corners but the brake light above rear windshield works fine. I've checked fuses 8 & 14, they look fine. Pulled both bulbs, filaments look fine. Is there a separate brake switch to turn on the brake light near the spoiler from the one to turn on the lower ones? Any other ideas? How do I access brake switch? Is it behind firewall? Thanks!

Mr_Shiftright

The brake light switch should activate all of them. Best way to handle this is test with a test light (which can still fool you) or a volt/ohm meter (better). You can test the bulbs for continuity, and test the brake light connector for proper voltage. It's possible for the test light to light but when you plug the bulb in, for it not to light. That implies a bad connector or corrosive wiring.

So basically you start at the bulb and keep working backwards with your probe.

d_train1

Thanks! I have a multimeter and actually know how to use it!
There are 2 contacts at the base of each bulb. Do you know if one contact goes to one filament and the other contact goes to the other filament? Or do both filaments connect to both contacts and the amount of voltage determines which filament lights up? I assume it's the former but you know what happens when you assume. Ha ha
Also, would you happen to know what voltages should appear at each connector?
I downloaded a factory service manual for my car, but it just says to test the bulbs but not how to go about it.
Thanks for your help!