Brake Lamp Light Honda Accord

If you’re seeing a brake lamp light on your Honda Accord’s dashboard, it’s a signal you shouldn’t ignore. This warning, often shaped like a circle with an exclamation point inside parentheses, is your car’s way of telling you there’s an issue with the brake light system. It doesn’t mean your physical brakes are failing, but it does mean the lights that alert drivers behind you might not be working. Let’s look at what this light means, why it comes on, and how you can fix it.

This specific warning is part of your Accord’s onboard diagnostics. Its primary job is to monitor the circuit for your third brake light (the high-mounted light on the rear deck or spoiler). When the light illuminates on your dash, it typically indicates a problem with that center brake lamp, though it can sometimes involve the other brake lights too. Driving with this light on is a safety risk, as it reduces your visibility to other motorists, especially in low-light conditions or bad weather.

Common Causes of the Brake Lamp Warning

Understanding why the light is on is the first step to fixing it. The causes range from simple and inexpensive to slightly more involved.

Burnt-Out Brake Light Bulb: This is the most common culprit. The filament in the bulb simply wears out over time.
Faulty Brake Light Switch: This switch, located near the brake pedal, activates the lights when you press the pedal. If it fails, the lights won’t work.
Blown Fuse: A fuse protects the brake light circuit. If it blows, the circuit is broken and the lights won’t function.
Bad Socket or Wiring Issue: Corrosion in the light socket, a loose connection, or damaged wiring can interrupt the electrical flow.
Issues with the CHMSL: The Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) itself could have a problem, especially if it uses LED modules which can fail individually.
Aftermarket Modifications: Installing LED bulbs without proper resistors or incorrect bulb types can confuse the car’s sensor and trigger the warning.

How to Diagnose the Problem: A Step-by-Step Guide

You can often diagnose the issue yourself with a simple process. Here’s what to do.

Step 1: Check Which Brake Lights Are Out

You’ll need a helper for this. Have them press the brake pedal while you walk around the back of the car. Check all three brake lights: the left, right, and the high-mounted center light. Take note of which ones are not lighting up. If all three are out, the problem is likely the fuse or the brake light switch. If only the center light is out, that’s the direct cause of your “Brake Lamp Light Honda Accord” warning.

Step 2: Inspect and Replace Bulbs

If you’ve identified a burnt-out bulb, you can replace it. For the tail light bulbs, you usually need to access them from inside the trunk.

Open the trunk and locate the plastic cover panels behind the tail light assemblies.
Remove the panel (usually held by clips or screws) to reveal the back of the light housing.
Twist the bulb socket counter-clockwise to remove it.
Pull the old bulb straight out and insert the new one. Make sure it’s the correct bulb type for your model year.
Reinsert the socket and twist clockwise to lock. Test the lights before reassembling the panel.

For the center brake light, access varies by Accord generation (sedan vs. coupe). It often requires removing trim from the rear deck or accessing it from the trunk ceiling.

Step 3: Check the Fuse

If multiple lights are out, consult your owner’s manual to find the interior fuse box location (usually under the dashboard on the driver’s side). Locate the fuse for the “Stop” or “Brake” lights.

Use the fuse puller tool in the fuse box lid.
Pull the suspect fuse and hold it up to the light. Look for a broken metal wire inside the plastic casing.
If it’s blown, replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage. Never use a higher-amp fuse.

Step 4: Examine the Brake Light Switch

The brake light switch is mounted on a bracket near the top of the brake pedal arm. You can visually inspect it for damage or a loose connection. Sometimes, simply pressing the pedal a few times can free a stuck switch. Replacing it is a bit more technical but often involves disconnecting the electrical connector and unthreading the switch from its bracket.

When to Use an OBD2 Scanner

For more persistent issues, or if the light comes back on after you’ve fixed the bulbs, a diagnostic scanner can be helpful. While a generic OBD2 scanner might not read body control module codes, a more advanced scanner can. It can sometimes pinpoint if the problem is a specific circuit fault, giving you a better clue than just guessing.

Special Note on LED Bulbs and Error Codes

Many Accord owners switch to LED brake lights for their brightness and longevity. However, because LEDs draw less power than traditional incandescent bulbs, the car’s computer may think a bulb is out. This triggers the brake lamp light. To fix this, you need to install LED load resistors. These resistors simulate the power draw of a regular bulb, tricking the system into thinking everything is normal. Make sure any LED kits you buy include these resistors or are labeled as “CAN-BUS compatible” for your vehicle.

Potential Wiring Problems

Wiring issues are less common but can happen, especially in older Accords or cars that have had rear-end work. Look for:

Frayed or chewed wires (pests can be a problem).
Corroded connectors in the trunk or light sockets.
Loose ground wires. The brake lights share a common ground point; if it’s loose or corroded, it can cause all sorts of lighting gremlins.

A visual inspection along the wire loom in the trunk and under the rear deck can reveal obvious problems. For hidden issues, you might need a multimeter to check for continuity.

Cost to Fix the Brake Lamp Light

The cost to resolve this warning varies wildly based on the cause:

DIY Bulb Replacement: $5 – $20 for a pack of bulbs.
Professional Bulb Replacement: $30 – $80 for labor plus parts.
Brake Light Switch Replacement: Part costs $15 – $40. Labor at a shop could be $50 – $150.
Fuse: Less than $10.
Wiring Repair: This can range from $100 to over $300 depending on the complexity of the repair and labor rates.

Fixing it yourself is almost always the most cost-effective option for simple causes like bulbs and fuses.

Is It Safe to Drive With the Light On?

It is not recommended. While your car’s braking ability remains intact, you are driving without a critical safety feature. If your brake lights aren’t working, the driver behind you won’t know when you’re slowing down, greatly increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. You could also be pulled over and ticketed for having non-functioning safety lights. It’s best to address the issue as soon as possible. If you must drive a short distance to get parts or to a mechanic, use your hazard lights to increase your visibility.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

A little routine check can prevent this warning from surprising you.

Make it a habit to check all your exterior lights once a month. Have a family member press the brakes while you look, or back up to a reflective surface like a garage door or store window.
When replacing bulbs, avoid touching the glass of halogen bulbs with your bare fingers. The oils from your skin can create hot spots and shorten the bulb’s life. Use a clean cloth or gloves.
Keep a few spare fuses and brake light bulbs in your glove box. They’re inexpensive and can get you out of a bind.
If you install aftermarket lighting, ensure it’s done correctly with proper wiring harnesses and, if needed, load resistors.

FAQ Section

Why is my brake lamp light on but all my brake lights work?

This is a common frustration. It often points to a failing bulb that’s still working intermittently, a weak connection, or a problem with the sensor itself. It can also happen if you installed LED bulbs without resistors. The system detects a slight change in resistance and triggers the light. Start by checking the center brake light closely—sometimes an LED strip can be partially out.

What’s the difference between the “Brake Lamp” light and the “BRAKE” light?

This is crucial! The “BRAKE” light (usually in red) has two meanings: if it lights up when you pull the parking brake, that’s normal. If it stays on when the parking brake is released, it indicates a serious problem with the hydraulic brake system (like low brake fluid). The “Brake Lamp” light (often in yellow or amber) specifically refers to the brake light bulbs and circuit. Don’t confuse the two.

Can I reset the brake lamp light myself?

Usually, yes. In most cases, the light is not “stored” like an engine code; it’s a live circuit monitor. Once you fix the underlying problem (like replacing a burnt bulb), the light should turn off by itself the next time you start the car. If it doesn’t, try disconnecting the car’s battery for a few minutes to reset the system. Ensure you have your radio code handy before you do this.

My Accord’s third brake light works, but the warning is still on. Why?

The system might be detecting a fault you can’t easily see. Double-check the specific LED modules if it’s an LED unit—one small section could be dim. Also, inspect the wiring harness leading to the light for any pinches or damage. A faulty sensor in the monitoring circuit is also a possibility, though less likely.

Are there any recalls for Honda Accord brake lights?

Some older Honda models have had recalls related to brake light switches. It’s always a good idea to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or contact a Honda dealer with your VIN to see if your specific vehicle has any open recalls that might address this issue.

Seeing the brake lamp light on your Honda Accord is a call to action, not a reason to panic. By following the logical steps outlined here—checking bulbs, fuses, and the switch—you can usually solve the problem quickly and inexpensively. Remember, maintaining your brake lights is a key part of safe driving, protecting both you and everyone else on the road. Take the time to address it promptly, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your car is signaling correctly.