FAQ
TL;DR: In this Clio II case, 100% of fixes came from replacing a mis-specified dual‑filament bulb; “Install the correct bulbs in the rear lamps correctly.” [Elektroda, milejow, post #16794613]
Why it matters: If your brake lights stay on and sidelights fail, a wrong rear bulb can cross‑feed circuits and mimic wiring faults. This FAQ helps DIYers quickly pinpoint and fix it.
Quick Facts
- Symptom trio: brake lights always on, no position/parking lights, intermittent blinker—resolved after fitting an OE‑spec dual‑filament bulb. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16820425]
- Corrective action: replace the suspect bulb with the marked wattage and proper pin orientation. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16802917]
- Real‑world check: inspect rear lamp panel connector pins for heat marks or poor ground contact. [Elektroda, DjMapet, post #16803592]
- Diagnostic clue: pulling a right position bulb changed brake strip behavior—classic cross‑feed sign. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16802872]
- If you see persistent shorts or confusion, visit an auto electrician. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16803498]
Why are my Renault Clio 2 brake lights always on with no position lights?
A mis-specified or mis-seated dual‑filament rear bulb can cross‑feed the stop and sidelight circuits. That keeps the brake lamps on and kills the position lights. Replacing the incorrect aftermarket bulb with an OEM‑spec unit restored normal operation for the poster. One out of one affected cars in the thread recovered after a single bulb change. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16820425]
How do I quickly confirm it’s the rear bulb and not the brake switch?
Unplug the brake pedal switch; if the brake lamps still glow, the switch is not the cause. Then remove the suspect rear position/parking bulb. If the high stop strip behavior changes or the cluster dims, the bulb or lamp panel is cross‑feeding. The original poster saw no change after unplugging the switch, confirming a rear lamp issue. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16793882]
What exact fix solved the thread’s problem?
Replacing one non‑original dual‑filament bulb with an original‑spec bulb fixed the always‑on brake lights, restored position lights, and stabilized the blinker. The owner thanked the forum after this single replacement and reported normal operation afterward. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16820425]
Could a cheap aftermarket bulb cause electrical cross‑feed?
Yes. Off‑brand dual‑filament bulbs can have incorrect pin indexing, wattage, or internal shorts. That misroutes current between the stop and tail filaments. The advice was to verify markings and avoid low‑quality bulbs; the OP’s issue disappeared after fitting a proper bulb. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16802917]
Why did removing one right position bulb make the center stop strip go out?
That behavior indicates current backfeeding through the dual‑filament bulb or lamp panel. Removing the position bulb interrupted the unintended path, so the high‑mounted stop light extinguished. This pointed squarely at the bulb or socket, not upstream wiring. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16802872]
What should I inspect on the rear lamp panel?
Check bulb seating, filament integrity, and the printed contacts on the panel. Examine the multi‑pin connector for burned, loose, or oxidized ground terminals. Poor ground can dim other lamps when braking. “Install the correct bulbs in the rear lamps correctly.” [Elektroda, milejow, post #16794613]
How can a bad ground make lights dim when I press the brake?
High resistance at the lamp panel ground forces current to seek alternate paths. Pressing the brake then robs voltage from position or cabin lights, causing dimming. Bypass or repair the ground at the connector if you see voltage drop or heat marks. “The mass in such cases is simply added, bypassing the connector.” [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16802946]
Is the brake light switch a common cause on Clio 2?
Less so for this symptom set. The OP disconnected the pedal switch and the brake lights still stayed on. That excludes the switch and implicates rear bulbs or lamp panel connections. Start at the lamp units before replacing switches. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16793882]
My left blinker is intermittent—related to the same fault?
It can be. Cross‑feed or ground problems in the rear lamp cluster can upset the indicator circuit. The OP reported intermittent turn signals alongside the brake/position issue, which resolved after installing the correct bulb. Verify bulb type and connector health. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16802956]
What is a dual‑filament bulb and why does orientation matter?
A dual‑filament bulb (e.g., stop/tail) contains two filaments with offset index pins. Correct orientation ensures each filament connects to its proper circuit. Wrong type or forced fit cross‑connects circuits, causing constant brake lights and dead position lamps. [Elektroda, ptr92, post #16802917]
Three-step how-to: fix Clio 2 brake lights stuck on/no sidelights
- Remove rear lamp panel and verify dual‑filament bulb type, wattage, and pin index.
- Fit an OEM‑spec bulb; seat it correctly; clean contacts.
- Inspect connector pins for heat or looseness; repair ground if needed.
Result in thread: full recovery after step 2. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16820425]
When should I stop diagnosing and seek a specialist?
If bulbs and lamp panel checks do not restore normal operation, consult an auto electrician. Persistent shorts, melted panels, or intermittent faults can escalate costs if misdiagnosed. A pro can load‑test grounds and trace harness issues safely. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16803498]
Does ignition position affect Clio 2 brake lamp power?
Reports vary by context, but this case showed the lamps glowing with position lights enabled, even without the key. That reinforces a rear lamp cross‑feed rather than an ignition‑dependent brake circuit fault. Start at the bulb cluster. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16794562]
What edge case should I watch for during testing?
If pressing the brake makes interior or exterior lights dim, suspect a failing ground or heated connector at the rear lamp panel. This failure can coexist with a mis‑specified bulb and mislead diagnosis until both are corrected. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16802928]
What single action offers the highest payoff before deeper wiring checks?
Replace any suspect dual‑filament rear bulb with a correct, branded, OEM‑spec unit and ensure proper seating. This single step resolved all symptoms in the documented case. [Elektroda, Kr3ciq95, post #16820425]
