Electronics Need help wiring something up? Thinking of adding an electrical component to your car? Need help troubleshooting that wiring glitch?

Brake Lights Aren't Working

Old Oct 26, 2002 | 07:26 PM
  #1  
AT4 T/A's Avatar
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From: Las Vegas
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: New 700r4 Done by 11/14/07!
Brake Lights Aren't Working

My brake lights quit working! I checked my fuses, and all seems well. I have to look at the electrical switch behind the pedal, but I know that my bulbs are ok. The turning signals and taillights still ight up with the headlights on. What else might be wrong?
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Old Oct 26, 2002 | 09:16 PM
  #2  
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From: Tampa Bay, FL
Car: 85 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
if you cant find anything wrong with the switch at the pedal...pull the taillight housing and check your bulbs and wiring back there, the bulbs are dual element...its possible to burn/break one element and the other still works...make sure all the wiring is secure and you have good grounds...
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Old Oct 26, 2002 | 09:26 PM
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From: Las Vegas
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: New 700r4 Done by 11/14/07!
I looked in the back at the bulbs, but there are 4 that activate with the brakes. It's virtually impossible for all four to burn out simultaneously. But, just to check, I looked. They're all good. The ground is securely connected to the left of the trunk lock.
I've got the switch in my hand and I'm taking it apart as I write this. What are the chances of an actual wire being jacked up?
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Old Oct 26, 2002 | 10:12 PM
  #4  
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Tampa Bay, FL
Car: 85 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
is the ground not only secure but clean and rust free? Well a broken wire somewhere is certainly possible, and I dont envy you tracing that out!
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Old Oct 26, 2002 | 10:56 PM
  #5  
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From: Las Vegas
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: New 700r4 Done by 11/14/07!
O.K. I got it! I took apart the switch and examined the inside. It's a really simple design, and it was the culprit! All it looks like happens is like a pencil pushing between two pieces of paper. I guess that's a bad analogy but you'd understand if you saw the inside. I just cleaned the gunk off the metal points and bent them inward slightly to make better contact. When I plugged the switch back in and saw the spark as I made the connection, I knew I was in business.

problem = solved
me = happy
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