How much does it cost to fix brake light wiring

Expect to pay roughly $120–$400 at a repair shop for typical brake light wiring fixes in 2025; quick, simple issues can be as low as $25–$120, while complex faults involving modules or full harnesses can run $400–$1,200+ depending on the vehicle, parts, and labor rates. Prices vary with the exact failure (blown fuse vs. damaged wiring vs. failed LED assembly or control module), shop type, and region.

Typical price ranges in 2025

The following ranges reflect common scenarios owners encounter, from simple to complex, using current parts prices and average U.S. labor rates for 2025.

• Quick fixes (fuse, bulb, basic connector clean-up): $25–$120
• Socket or short section wire repair (splice/connector replacement): $120–$300
• Brake light switch replacement: $90–$220
• Tail lamp assembly (incandescent) replacement: $120–$350
• LED tail lamp/third brake light assembly replacement: $200–$800+ (premium models can exceed $1,000)
• Trunk/hinge harness repair for broken wires: $180–$450
• Body control module (BCM) or integrated control issue: $400–$1,200+ including programming

Most drivers fall in the middle of these ranges; costs escalate when parts are integrated (LED assemblies, BCM) or when corrosion and chafed wires require more labor time.

What drives the price

Several factors determine whether your bill is modest or steep; understanding them can help you decide where to take the car and what to approve.

• Diagnosis time: $50–$150 typical diagnostic fee; credited toward repair at many shops.
• Labor rates: ~$90–$180/hr at independent shops; ~$150–$250/hr at dealerships; mobile mechanics often ~$70–$140/hr.
• Part type: Simple bulbs and fuses are cheap; LED assemblies and modules are costly.
• Access/complexity: Hidden harnesses (trunk hinge, truck bed) and rusted fasteners add time.
• Vehicle make: Luxury, EVs, and European brands often use integrated lighting with higher part costs and required programming.
• Corrosion exposure: Rust-belt/coastal cars see more socket and ground issues, increasing parts and labor.

In short, time spent finding the fault and the sophistication of the component being replaced are the biggest cost levers.

Common parts and typical prices

Here are the parts most frequently involved in brake light wiring repairs and what they usually cost in 2025, excluding labor unless noted.

• Bulb (incandescent): $2–$15; LED retrofit bulb: $15–$40
• Bulb socket/pigtail: $10–$40
• Fuses: $2–$10; relays: $10–$30
• Wire, terminals, heat-shrink, loom: $5–$25 in materials for small repairs
• Brake light switch at pedal: $15–$75 (0.3–0.8 hr labor)
• Tail lamp assembly (incandescent): $60–$250; LED assembly: $150–$600+
• Third brake light (CHMSL): $40–$250 (LED versions on SUVs/trucks are higher)
• Harness sections (trunk hinge/bed harness): $50–$300, if replaced rather than repaired
• Body Control Module (BCM): $250–$900; programming typically $100–$200 extra

Shops often add taxes and small “shop supplies” charges (typically 3–10%); ask for an itemized estimate to see parts and labor separated.

Labor time you can expect

Labor hours depend on where the fault is and how much disassembly is required; these are common estimates shops use for quoting.

• Fuse/bulb swap, quick ground clean: 0.2–0.5 hr
• Socket/pigtail replacement and wiring repair: 0.5–1.0 hr
• Brake light switch replacement: 0.3–0.8 hr
• Tail lamp assembly replace: 0.3–0.8 hr (some SUVs/trucks longer)
• Trunk hinge harness repair (broken/chafed wires): 1.0–2.0 hr
• Pickup bed harness repair/replace: 0.5–1.5 hr
• BCM replacement/programming: 1.0–2.0 hr plus scan/program time

If corrosion is severe or trim panels are brittle, expect the upper end of these ranges.

DIY checks that may save money

Before authorizing advanced diagnostics, a few safe, quick checks can rule out simple causes and potentially cut costs.

1. Verify bulbs: Make sure both brake bulbs and the center high-mounted stop lamp work; replace any burned-out bulbs.
2. Check fuses: Use the owner’s manual to locate brake/stop lamp fuses and replace any blown fuses with the same rating.
3. Inspect the bulb sockets: Look for green/white corrosion, melting, or looseness; gently clean corrosion and reseat connectors.
4. Test the brake light switch: Ensure the pedal switch clicks and isn’t loose or misadjusted; many switches are inexpensive to replace.
5. Flex the trunk/hinge area: With someone pressing the brake, gently move the trunk or hatch harness; flickering lights suggest broken wires at the hinge.
6. Check grounds: Look for rusty or loose ground screws near the tail lights; a quick clean/tighten often restores proper function.
7. Scan for body codes (if available): Some parts stores offer free scans; BCM-related faults may store diagnostic trouble codes.

If any of these checks fix the issue, your total outlay may be limited to a low-cost part; if not, you’ll have better information for a shop.

When to see a pro

Some symptoms point to deeper electrical issues where professional tools and procedures are worthwhile.

• Brake lights intermittently fail or blow fuses repeatedly
• Melted sockets/connectors or evidence of shorting
• LED assemblies with internal failures (non-serviceable)
• Multiple lighting faults suggesting a BCM or CAN-bus issue
• Water intrusion in tail lamp or trunk harness

These problems often require circuit tracing, proper gauge wiring, weatherproof splices, or module programming to ensure a reliable fix.

Where to get it fixed and what they charge

Choosing the right repair venue influences both cost and turnaround time.

• Independent shops: $90–$180/hr; good for wiring diagnosis and cost-effective repairs.
• Dealerships: $150–$250/hr; best for late-model vehicles needing OEM parts or BCM programming.
• Mobile mechanics: $70–$140/hr; convenient for simple fixes, limited for complex diagnostics or programming.
• Collision/electrical specialists: Variable; ideal for extensive harness or corrosion repairs.

Ask whether diagnostic fees are applied to the repair, and request an estimate that includes any programming, taxes, and shop supplies.

Regional and vehicle-specific considerations

Costs run higher in big coastal cities than in smaller markets. Rust-belt and coastal vehicles often need extra corrosion remediation, which adds labor. Luxury brands, EVs, and European models frequently integrate brake lighting into LED assemblies or control modules, increasing part prices and necessitating software configuration after replacement.

Warranty, recalls, and inspections

Before paying out of pocket, it’s smart to check coverage and compliance items that could reduce or eliminate your expense.

• Warranty: Many shops offer 12-month/12,000-mile parts-and-labor warranties; dealers may offer 12 months on OEM parts.
• Recalls/TSBs: Ask the dealer to check your VIN; some vehicles have campaigns or technical bulletins for harness chafing or lamp issues.
• Inspections and legal compliance: Non-working brake lights can fail state inspections and lead to traffic citations; prioritize timely repair.

Bringing documentation of any applicable recall or TSB can streamline repair approval and may lower your cost.

Summary

Plan for $120–$400 for a typical brake light wiring repair, with quick fixes as low as $25–$120 and complex, module- or LED-related repairs reaching $400–$1,200+. Your exact cost depends on diagnosis time, parts complexity, and labor rates. Check bulbs, fuses, sockets, grounds, and trunk-hinge wiring first; if issues persist or involve LEDs/BCMs, a professional diagnosis is the fastest path to a reliable, warrantied fix.

How much does it cost to get your brake lights fixed?

Mechanics might charge between $15 and $170 to replace a brake light. This includes: Brake light bulbs: $5 to $25. Labor charges: $10 to $145.

How do I know if my brake light wiring switch is broken?

Symptoms of a bad brake light switch include brake lights that stay on constantly, fail to illuminate when the pedal is pressed, or operate intermittently. Other symptoms can include inability to shift out of park in an automatic transmission, cruise control malfunction, an ABS or check engine light on the dashboard, and a vehicle that won’t start with a push-button ignition.
 
Direct Symptoms

• Brake lights don’t turn on: When you press the brake pedal, the brake lights remain off. 
• Brake lights stay on: The brake lights are illuminated even when you’re not pressing the brake pedal. This can cause a parasitic battery drain and premature bulb wear. 
• Inconsistent brake light operation: The brake lights flicker or come on/off sporadically. 

Related System Issues

• Inability to shift out of Park: Many automatic transmissions require a brake pedal signal to release the shift interlock, so a bad switch can prevent shifting. 
• Cruise control malfunction: The cruise control may fail to set or may disengage unexpectedly. 
• Vehicle won’t start: In push-button start vehicles, the brake pedal must be pressed to start the engine. A bad switch can prevent the system from detecting this. 
• Dashboard warning lights: An illuminated ABS light, traction control light, or check engine light can occur, as the brake switch is integrated with these systems. 

What to Do
A faulty brake light switch is a serious safety issue. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to have the switch inspected and replaced by a qualified mechanic to avoid further electrical problems and ensure road safety.

How much does it cost to rewire a light?

Rewiring a single light fixture can cost between $100 and $300, with a professional electrician’s time often being the largest factor, at around $80-$195 per hour. However, if the issue is a simple and localized wiring problem within the fixture itself, a lighting shop might do the work for $40–$110. The final price depends on the complexity of the repair, the accessibility of the fixture, your home’s existing wiring, and your local labor rates. 
Factors influencing the cost:

• Labor Costs: Electrician rates range from $80–$195 per hour, with the job typically taking 1-2 hours for a simple rewire. 
• Complexity: More intricate fixtures, like chandeliers, require more time and skill to rewire. 
• Fixture Accessibility: Hard-to-reach or high-up fixtures will increase the labor time and cost. 
• Type of Repair: Simple wiring issues within the fixture itself will be less expensive than problems with the fixture’s connection to the house’s main wiring. 
• Location: Costs can be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. 

How to get a quote:

• Contact a Professional Electrician: You can get a quote for a more complex or safety-critical rewire. 
• Visit a Lighting Shop: For simpler repairs directly on the fixture, a dedicated lighting shop may offer more affordable, fixed-price repairs. 
• Get Multiple Bids: It is always wise to get at least three bids from different electricians to compare pricing and services. 

How much does it cost to replace brake light wiring?

Brake light wiring repair costs vary significantly, ranging from $50 to $1,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issue, the specific vehicle, and the parts and labor involved. Simple repairs like a fuse or connector replacement can be inexpensive ($10-$50), while complex problems like a melted wiring harness or significant damage may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars due to extensive labor and parts.
 
Factors influencing cost

• Type of damage:
  • Fuse replacement: Around $5 to $10 for the part, but a shop may charge $50-$100+ for labor and inspection. 
  • Bulb replacement: $5 to $30 for the bulb. 
  • Wiring repair: Ranges from $10-$50 for a simple connector to several hundred dollars for a section of damaged wire, depending on how much labor is needed to access it, according to JustAnswer users and Reddit users. 
  • Wiring harness replacement: A new harness can cost $10 to $220 for the part alone, with labor adding to the total cost. 
• Complexity of the job:
  • Accessibility: A wiring problem in an easy-to-reach area will be cheaper than one that requires removing body panels or the bumper to access. 
  • Severity of damage: A few cut wires are less expensive to fix than a harness that is extensively melted or damaged. 
• Labor rates: These vary by location and the type of shop (dealership vs. independent mechanic), with dealerships often charging higher labor rates. 
• Vehicle Make and Model: Some vehicles have more complex wiring systems or require specific parts that are more expensive. 

How to get an estimate

1. Diagnose the issue: A technician needs to find the exact cause of the problem, which can range from a loose wire to a damaged harness. 
2. Get a detailed quote: Ask for a breakdown of labor costs and parts costs before authorizing any work. 
3. Consider your options: For simple issues, a DIY approach might save money. For complex issues, compare quotes from different mechanics.