Where's the brake light relay on a 1990 Chevy 1500?

Questions and Support
1

I’m having some trouble with the brake lights on my 1990 Chevy 1500. They just stopped working, and after checking the bulbs, I suspect it might be an issue with the brake light relay. I’ve done some digging, but I can’t seem to find a clear answer on where to locate the relay.

What I’ve Checked:

  • Bulbs: Brand new and confirmed working.
  • Fuses: All fuses look good, so that’s not the issue.
  • Wiring: No obvious signs of wear or damage.

Questions:

  • Does anyone know where the brake light relay is located?
  • Are there any common issues with these relays that could cause them to fail?

If anyone has experience with this or any diagrams that could help me locate it, I’d really appreciate your input! I just want to get my lights working again and be safe on the road. Thanks in advance!

2

Hey everyone! I’m trying to find the brake light relay on my 1990 Chevy 1500. Does anyone know where it is located?

3

The brake light relay should be located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. You might need to remove some panels to see it clearly. Check your owner’s manual too; it usually has diagrams!

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4

I’ve also read that it’s sometimes in the fuse box. Can anyone confirm? A diagram would really help!

5

Thanks for that info! I’ll get under the dashboard this weekend to check it out. Hopefully, it’s not too hard to get to!

6

It’s just above the brake pedal on the underside of the dash. You may need a flashlight and a mirror to see it properly! I can upload a photo later if you need.

7

Yes please! A photo would be super helpful, especially for DIYers like me!

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8

Just be careful when working under the dash! It’s a tight space, and you might run into some wiring. A flashlight is your best friend here!

9

Good point! I usually forget that part. I might also try using my phone camera to get a better look.

10

I found mine in the fuse box behind the driver’s side rear seat. Took me ages to track it down though—definitely not the easiest location!

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11

Haha, sounds like a scavenger hunt! But I guess that makes the fix more rewarding when you find it.

12

Hey everyone! I’m trying to figure out where the brake light relay is located on my 1990 Chevy 1500. Any advice would be appreciated!

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13

The brake light relay for your '90 Chevy is usually found under the dash, near the steering column. It can also be in the fuse block. Have you checked those areas?

14

If you have no brake lights and your switch is working, it might be the relay. Another symptom is flickering or intermittent lights. Definitely check for loose connections too!

15

That’s a good point! It’s always a good idea to check your fuses first before diving deeper. They can be the culprit as well.

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16

I’ve had issues with my brake lights acting strange before, and it turned out to be the relay. Once I replaced it, they worked perfectly again! Just make sure to confirm it’s the relay first.

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17

Can I just pull the relay to test it? Or is there a specific way to diagnose if it’s malfunctioning?

18

Yeah, pulling it can help! Just make sure the contacts look good and you can test it with a multimeter to confirm it’s functioning correctly.

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19

I remember treating a similar issue with my old Chevy. The relay was fine, but it was a corroded ground wire causing the problem! It’s worth checking all connections as well.

20

For those who love working on their cars, debugging these little issues can be fun! It’s like being a car detective. But if it’s a headache, just take it to the mechanic!