My Kia Optima Brake lights come on when headlights are on... any ideas?

Models Optima
1

After having my doors replaced following an accident, my brake lights come on whenever I turn on the headlights. Also, the interior lights stayed on for about a week after the door replacement, but that problem eventually fixed itself. All of my brake lights are affected when this happens. Anyone know what could be causing this?

2

Sounds like there’s a short in the wiring for the tail lights. It could be that the wiring for the parking lights and brake lights got mixed up or damaged during the repair.

3

Jade said:
Sounds like there’s a short in the wiring for the tail lights. It could be that the wiring for the parking lights and brake lights got mixed up or damaged during the repair.

Thanks, I’ll check the wiring and see if there’s anything that looks off.

4

I had the same issue after some bodywork. It was a short in the wiring harness for the tail lights. Once it was fixed, everything worked fine again.

5

Dolph said:
I had the same issue after some bodywork. It was a short in the wiring harness for the tail lights. Once it was fixed, everything worked fine again.

Good to know. I’ll have the harness inspected just in case that’s the issue here too.

6

Check the grounds for the tail lights. If the ground wire isn’t connected properly, it can cause all kinds of weird electrical issues.

7

melissasavant said:
Check the grounds for the tail lights. If the ground wire isn’t connected properly, it can cause all kinds of weird electrical issues.

I’ll look at the grounds and make sure everything’s connected properly. Thanks for the tip.

8

It might also be a problem with the brake light switch, but since you had work done on the doors, I’d lean towards a wiring issue first.

9

Donna said:
It might also be a problem with the brake light switch, but since you had work done on the doors, I’d lean towards a wiring issue first.

Yeah, I’ll start with the wiring and then look at the switch if needed.

10

When the doors were replaced, the wiring might have been pinched or damaged. I’d take a close look at any wires running from the doors to the lights.

11

Della said:
When the doors were replaced, the wiring might have been pinched or damaged. I’d take a close look at any wires running from the doors to the lights.

I’ll definitely check those areas first. Thanks for the advice.