As I was driving home tonight I noticed an odd issue with my brake lights. As I was sitting at a stoplight, I was checking the rear view mirror to see the red light from my brake lights. I noticed a few times that I didn't see anything. I tested it out at home a bit, and I sort of found that the behavior is something like this:

Sometimes when I press the brakes, release and press again shortly thereafter, the brakes feel somewhat more resistant to being pressed. I assume this has to do with the power braking operation. Some of the time when it feels more resistant, it's like I press in, and the brakes engage, but whatever contact needs to be made to turn on the brake lights... it's not being made. It isn't like I'm not pressing, it's like there is just some weird behavior because of the increased brake resistance.

Otherwise, things seem to be working fine. I had trouble reproducing it at home. I could only see it a few times. All of the brake lights work, otherwise, whether or not the headlights were on.

I'm justifiably concerned, because I don't want to get into a situation where I slam the brakes, and the brake lights don't illuminate. Any thoughts?

Oh and I'm not sure how long this has been going on. I never noticed before, but keep in mind, I rarely make a point of looking for my brake lights while at a stop light. I occasionally test them at home, but they've always been fine on a routine press test.

 

could be a faulty brake switch

 

When you pump the brakes (press on them again & again), it builds up hydraulic pressure and hence the pedal seems firm. Nothing wrong with that. People often pump brakes to build up pressure, especially back in the old days.

Your issue may be a faulty brake switch as stated above. Have someone stand behind your car and observe to be doubly sure though.