My 3rd brake light isn't functioning...

I replaced all 5 bulbs and it still won't light up..

My main brake lights are fine, so it can't be the fuse.. right?

What could it be?

Thanks

-LJ

 

Check connections and ground. Fuse can be good but there could still be a break before or after the lights.

 

Make sure the metal strip going around your back window isn't grounding out on anything. There is also a connection there somewhere on the back window, where mine came disconnected. Might check that.

 

Actually the connections for the 1987-90 HMSL are the two spring-loaded pins that contact the pad just to the left of the hatch pull-down latch. Take a scotch-brite to that pad and the spring loaded pins to clean off any corrosion. Then test the pad with a multi-meter or test light while the brake pedal is pressed. If you find power at the pad, then take out the lamp assy. Remove the phillips screws holding on the socket assy and clean it of any corrosion. IMPORTANT, do not touch the halogen bulbs with your fingers! The oils from your fingers will casue a hot-spot on the bulb and they will burn out rapidly. Instead use a cloth or gloves to remove and install these bulbs.

Lon

 

I didn't know about that...

I'll be sure to clean em off with a rag once I get em working so this doesn't happen, thanks

-LJ

 

actually, use a clean paper towel to handle the bulbs, most gloves i use to work on the car have their own oils and stuff associated with them.

but chekc the contacts to the lid (those four copper strips near the pull-down, sand them if they're corroded, or pull down on the springs on the hatch if the'yve been crushed in)

also, if that doesn't work, have someone step on the lights and make sure there's power to the circuit with a voltmeter. if you have power at the pull-down and not at the bulb, the plug inside the spoiler may have come loose.

and no matter how you handle the bulbs, they should work at least once. the heat is what does them in, so if they're cold they'll still work until they burn up. so you should've seen something.

 

and those bulbs are pretty pricey, i've found that setups using two in the #2/#4 spots or 3 in the middle/ends work more than well enough. when you test, only use like 1-2 bulbs, you wouldn't want to wreck them all if there's a problem.

 

Tell me about it!!

I payed $10 per bulb, $50 total for all 5!!

-LJ

 

OK, I see it is time to re-visit this. Go to Radio Shack for the bulbs. They are a 12v 20watt bi-pin halogen. Radio Shack sells them for around $2. You can also get them from a Home Depot or other home supply store, since the same bulb is used for the low-voltage landscape lighting. Try to stick with one brand of bulb. I have two brands in my HMSL and they illuminate with different speed. It wouldn't be a problem normally, but I have an after-market rapid flashing circuit wired into the light and it causes it to look funky.

Lon

 

Thanks for the tip

-LJ