In my '93 Accord the Brake lamp indicator warning light that goes on when a tail light goes out is illuminated in my car. This is a problem because NONE of my tail lights is out. Does anyone have any ideas why this is happening???

Is there a sensor problem or what?

 

Look for dirty or corroded contacts in the lightbulb sockets. That sensor works by measuring the difference in current flowing to the various lamps. If one has dirty contacts it can set off the detector.

I've heard of people who finally (out of desperation) replaced ALL the bulbs back there just so the wattage would match perfectly. Seems like that sensor is a little too sensitive sometimes...

 

The system works by sensing the ground side of the brake lamp, often times it is set off by 'weak' connections.
You should check the bulb sockets for flat contact points at the bottom of the socket, or light corrosion around the 'collar' of the socket.
I've also seen a weak or broken filament in the bulb cause problems, when you have the bulb out, flick it with your finger pretty hard to see if the filament seperates.

 

u got a trailer wiring harness installed? that can cause the lamp out sensors to trip as well

 

Go to the store and replace both brake lamps with new ones. I had the same problem and I did find corrosion in the socket but my main problem was that one of the filaments was jusy barely hanging on...so when I would test its continuity it would usually pass until I finally caught it not working. Replace both because the sensors might measure a difference between a new one and an old one and give you a warning (plus they come 2 to a package).

 

Who would have a trailer hitch on a 93 Accord?

 

You'd be surprised at the number of people that put hitches on the Accords.

 

do as the Dude and JimBalke suggested .. if ok.. you might have a bad sensor ,, i have seen a few of those go bad ,,, to verify it you would have to chk the wiring for power and ground ,which i would advice you to diagnose before replacing parts,, unlessYOU want to take a chance and toss 1 in

 

I am sad to say I am one of those people. I can't afford a truck so I pull a very small trailer with my dirtbikes on it.

Oddly enough the indicator sometimes goes out as if the problem is fixed, then after a little while it will come back on. I have noticed some water accumulation in one of my tail lights so that might cause some of the corrosion.

 

BTW, you guys are fantastic and have EXCELLENT replies. You are a very knowledgeable bunch.