Issue with driver side brake light

[sloanie]

Initially I was told by someone driving behind me that my driver side break light was out. I have neglected it for months, and I finally got down to learning how to replace that bulb (which I have yet to do).

However, I thought I would double check the issue this morning in the dark, and here's what I found. I was in the driveway with the car turned on / engine running, with the emergency brake on and the car in park, headlights turned on.

Both brake light bulbs were lit as they would normally be when the exterior lights are on for driving in the dark.

I then propped a snow scraper between the brake and the floor and checked the break lights again. The passenger side light was much brighter than the driver side. Basically it appears that when the brake is depressed that the intensity of those lamps increases to indicate braking, and the left / driver side is not doing so. (I was checking to see if there was a separate bulb responsible for actual braking indication rather than just the one, and I could see only the one).

I may replace the bulb just to see what happens, but is this a wiring issue?

(The rear end of the car was demolished a couple years ago when it was hit by a neighbor while it was just parked on the street, and as the lamp is not burned out I'm guessing this is a residual issue / faulty repair job... however, this was only noticed this year, as the car passed safety inspection following that accident and subsequent repair.)

[6sp3.5]

One bulb, dual filament, replace the bulb & your problem will be solved.

[sloanie]

Excellent. I'll change out the bulb Saturday. I had no idea it was dual filament. Thanks!