Which pattern have you noticed?
One side is out
Identify left or right and any other failed lighting function. One unlit area does not establish whether it contains a replaceable bulb or a module.
No brake lights operate
Include the high-level lamp if its condition is known. A shared failure helps direct assessment but does not automatically diagnose the pedal switch.
The lights stay on
Continuous illumination without braking is different from no illumination. Explain that explicitly; removing bulbs is not a repair.
Braking force and braking signals are different functions
The brakes may feel normal while the lamps fail to signal deceleration. Conversely, an unusual pedal, reduced braking or a brake-system warning are additional symptoms that should be reported immediately. This page does not assess your brakes' effectiveness and is not permission to continue driving with faulty lighting.
Establish the pattern only with the vehicle safely stationary and secured according to its handbook, or have the workshop check it. Nobody should stand in a possible vehicle path or inspect the lamps in traffic. Do not leave an unsecured car uncontrolled to take a photograph. If another person or an STK report has already identified the fault, pass that information on without recreating it unsafely.
A bulb is one possibility, not a universal diagnosis
Lighting designs differ. Some vehicles allow a particular bulb to be replaced according to the handbook; others use LED modules or more complex controls. Ordering a part from the appearance of the lamp alone may be wrong. Prepare the model and year, adding an existing component identifier only if it is already safely known.
Connections, supply or controls may also matter. HELLA describes a particular model where a brake-light switch fault was associated with other warning lamps. That illustrates the need for appropriate assessment; it does not identify the same part as faulty in your vehicle. Report all simultaneous messages rather than reducing the enquiry to a presumed bulb failure.
What to have checked, and what not to change blindly
Separate lamps that do not illuminate from intermittent operation and lamps that stay on. Mention a recent bulb replacement, rear-light work, moisture or accessory installation if relevant to the timeline. Mark unknown details as unverified; that is more useful than presenting an assumption as a measured finding.
Do not bridge contacts at the pedal or make random coding changes. Depending on the vehicle, a switch or its adjustment can have other functions. Electrical smell, smoke or damaged wiring calls for an urgent safe response and appropriate assistance. Confirm assessment of the particular lighting system before bringing the car.
Separate a light source from electrical fault-finding in the quote
Replacing an accessible bulb and investigating shared failure of several lamps are different jobs. The quote should state the initial assessment, how labour is charged and when parts require your approval. We do not invent a complete repair price from one symptom. With LED equipment, first establish the available repair options and correct component.
If you have a Czech STK report, send the exact wording and lamp location. Arranging repairs does not guarantee a subsequent inspection result. A useful enquiry is: “On [model, year], [lamps affected] do not work; the tail lamps [known condition]; the display says [wording]. Please confirm an assessment and suitable handover.”
Your checklist before contacting the workshop
- Vehicle model and year, plus lighting type if known.
- Left, right, high-level lamp and other failed functions, where already verified.
- Continuous or intermittent failure, or lights remaining on.
- Exact messages, recent lighting work and the relevant STK report entry.
Use existing observations. Email only relevant records taken while safely parked; the form does not accept attachments.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ignore the others if the high-level brake light works?
One working lamp does not establish correct operation of the whole system. Arrange attention rather than deciding from the number of lamps still operating.
Why is there no dashboard message?
Lamp monitoring depends on the vehicle. No warning is not proof that every exterior light works.
Should I replace every bulb?
Not automatically. Establish the design and failure pattern first; a shared failure may concern other components.
Agree the next step
Call Autoservis 1 in Červený Újezd and describe the lighting fault. The workshop is at Unhošťská 92, near Unhošť, Hostivice, Kladno and Prague-West. Confirm suitable handover and work scope before travelling; this is not a 24-hour roadside-assistance service.
Discuss a lighting assessmentSources and limits
Published 23 October 2026. Sources explain general principles, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Follow the instructions for your particular car.