Dam... Just driving into town and the car switches to failsafe mode with a check rear lights message. The lights of course are in perfect working order.

I will get the codes read later today but anyone else ever have this happen?

 

Fixed rear lights message with the extra ground wire on each side suggested by another member.
I didn't get a failsafe mode.

 

When this happens does the cruise control turn off too? Could be the Brake Light Switch failing. Easy fix with lots of helpful photos and instructions here on the forum.

 

But the lights work perfectly. I think this is something else... Still I will check the grounds and the switch and see...

I am only guessing but isn't it more likely to be black box sensor problem which brings up the lights error message, like the Throttle body brings up the parking brake???

 

Could be...things are oddly integrated on these cars. Many cars, actually. For example I cleared up my ABS problem by rebuilding the ABS CPU box and it made my trunk lights work properly...

Still, it's time well spent to look at the brake switch - 2 switches in the same component, cleverly inverted in their wiring and offset just a bit in sequence as I recall. One switch is the cut off for the Cruise Control.

 

I have never even tried the cruise control... Another button to push later!

 

Could still be a fault with one of the bulbs. I believe it senses current draw.

 

Here's a trick I learned from my boating friends that worked for me in clearing up intermittant bulb failure due to a poor fit: put some Anti-sieze on the bulb tip and sides. The silver anti-sieze is conductive, waterproof and helps to take up the difference in bulb vs. socket size.

This is an old trick for boat trailer lights that get wet frequently.

 

All the error messages have vanished after driving around today in the sunshine. I dont know if I am just lucky, should be expecting them to return again soon, or just expecting the same again next time there is a tropical monsoon downpour...

 

It will return but enjoy your sunshine and try out the Cruise!

 

Sounds like your kitty just digs the sunshine.

 

I will totally enjoy the sun, its funny but two days without sunshine here and we are all complaining...

I will try out the cruise control, and I will be sure to let you know if and when the check rear light gremlin pops up.