How do I Troubleshoot 1998 Chevrolet K1500 Brake Lights?

Driving your 1998 Chevrolet K1500 with faulty brake lights is very dangerous. Not only do the brake lights help prevent against potential accidents, but many states have laws against driving a vehicle with faulty lights. If you choose to do so, you may receive a ticket from the police. Thankfully, troubleshooting the brake lights on your Chevy K1500 is a simple process that only takes a few minutes.

• 1

  Open the tailgate with the engine turned off.

• 2

  Use a screwdriver to remove the two lamp assembly screws. Pull the assembly away from the vehicle.

• 3

  Pull on the electrical connector. If the connector is loose or comes out of the assembly, securely and firmly push it into the rear of the tail lamp assembly. If the brake light still does not work, there may be a bulb problem.

• 4

  Turn the socket to the left to remove it from the assembly. Pull the old bulb out of the assembly, and replace it with a new 3057 bulb.

• 5

  Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it clicks into place. Place the socket into the assembly, and rotate it clockwise until it locks into place.

• 6

  Reinstall the lamp assembly and screws. Close the tailgate. If the lights still don't work, there may be a problem with the brake-light fuse.

• 7

  Remove the cover of the fuse block under the hood on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Rotate the fastener to the left to remove it.

• 8

  Locate the fuse labeled "STOPLP." This is the brake light fuse. If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced. A fuse is blown if the metal inside is broken. On the underside of the fuse block cover, you will find spare fuses and a fuse puller tool.

• 9

  Use the fuse puller tool to remove the "STOPLP" fuse, and replace it with one of the spare fuses. Make sure the new fuse is exactly the same as the old fuse.

• 10

  Place the cover back onto the fuse block, and close the hood.