Rear hatch light on, but not when pressing the brakes

[mechanicalhorizon]

Just this morning I noticed the light that indicates the rear hatch being opened came on and stayed on.

No chime or anything, it just come on and stays on when I start the car, even when driving.

But, when I press the brakes it turns off.

Could this be a fuse issue? There's also condensation in my car (I live in Seattle so it's very wet this time of year) so could the moisture be messing with the fuses?

Otherwise the car is fine (except I do need to change my front brake pads).

I have a 2004 PT cruiser 2.4 Liter Ltd Ed Turbo with about 140,000 miles on it.

[ajhockey3]

Sounds like something is shorted out

[ptcruisersteve]

Originally Posted by mechanicalhorizon

Just this morning I noticed the light that indicates the rear hatch being opened came on and stayed on.

No chime or anything, it just come on and stays on when I start the car, even when driving.

But, when I press the brakes it turns off.

Could this be a fuse issue? There's also condensation in my car (I live in Seattle so it's very wet this time of year) so could the moisture be messing with the fuses?

Otherwise the car is fine (except I do need to change my front brake pads).

I have a 2004 PT cruiser 2.4 Liter Ltd Ed Turbo with about 140,000 miles on it.

Are all 3 tail lights working with the brake off and the brake on?

[pt06]

I would check the grounds for the tailgate. --- And check the taillights for water buildup inside the assemblies. Water buildup is not uncommon in PT's.

[mechanicalhorizon]

Is this something that would cause my car to fail an emissions inspection?

Cause I have to have one and get my car's registration renewed by the end of January and I can't afford another costly repair.

[ptcruisersteve]

Originally Posted by mechanicalhorizon

Is this something that would cause my car to fail an emissions inspection?

Cause I have to have one and get my car's registration renewed by the end of January and I can't afford another costly repair.

It might not be an expensive repair. The best thing to do is to answer the questions on some of the posts on this thread that does not require any tools.


Are all 3 tail lights working with the brake off and the brake on?

[mechanicalhorizon]

OK, it looks like the rear lights work fine. Turn signals as well. I didn't see any water in the taillight assemblies either.

[Macgyverman1123]

Check for water in the backup light assemblies. They are the closest to the ground and can get water from a decent puddle. I had one on the right that was cracked and it would fill with water whenever it rained, which would either blow the bulb or short the turn signal on the rear right side. Finally replaced it this week.

If you need new backup lights, i have 2, one good, one cracked, you can have them for free if you need. Just pay S+H.

[mechanicalhorizon]

I think it was just some moisture somewhere in the vehicle, it stopped a couple days after I posted the issue and hasn't come back since.