Expert: Ben Deutschman - 7/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: My friend has a 99 VW Beetle and her brake lights arn't working, could it just be a fuse, if not what else could it be ?
Thank you, Jim

ANSWER: The first thing I'd check, after the Bulb itself, would be the fuse. If both check out, then there may be a problem with the Light Socket the Bulb goes in to, at which point, I'd suggest letting a qualified Auto Electrical service Shop look into the problem.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I checked the fuse, it was fine, BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS are out, If just one brake light is out, will it cause the other to not work?
Thanks Jim

Answer
If the Fuse is good, and both lights are out, it is possible that a plug came apart going to the Brake Lights, or simply that the Brake Light Switch went bad. After checking out these possibilities, and ruling them out, then I'd suggest going to an automotive electrical Shop, and having the car checked out. Try swapping out the Brake Light Switch first though.