HELP!! DEAD LIGHTS!
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From: Saugus MA USA
HELP!! DEAD LIGHTS!
I have this reaccuring problem w/my RS-
All 3 of my tail lights periodically blow out. Last year both brake lights were replaced as well as my center brake light.
All the lights go out simultaniously. It seems like too much of a coincidence that this would happen 2x in a row...however, my voltmeter is dead-$350 to send it to GM to be recalibrated. Could my wires somehow be shorting out my lights? If I disconnect the stock voltmeter and use an aftermarket would it make a differance? The after market things in my car that were in before this happened were a Pioneer CD player, 2 6x9 Infinitys in the back, Hurst Dual Gate Shifter, and Lojack. The Lojack gave me problems with my starter (the chip is still in the car-the audible alarm and starter kill switch are gone) and I also have a Wasp alarm by Viper. Any suggestions would be appreciated-I'm tired of replacing bulbs!!
All 3 of my tail lights periodically blow out. Last year both brake lights were replaced as well as my center brake light.
All the lights go out simultaniously. It seems like too much of a coincidence that this would happen 2x in a row...however, my voltmeter is dead-$350 to send it to GM to be recalibrated. Could my wires somehow be shorting out my lights? If I disconnect the stock voltmeter and use an aftermarket would it make a differance? The after market things in my car that were in before this happened were a Pioneer CD player, 2 6x9 Infinitys in the back, Hurst Dual Gate Shifter, and Lojack. The Lojack gave me problems with my starter (the chip is still in the car-the audible alarm and starter kill switch are gone) and I also have a Wasp alarm by Viper. Any suggestions would be appreciated-I'm tired of replacing bulbs!!
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Kerri,
A working voltmeter would be very helpful in diagnosing the problem. There are two things that will force lamps into early retirement - high voltage and mechanical shock. Unless you have pipes welded in place of your shock absorbers, or frequently enter demolition derbies, the shock shouldn't be a factor. Just make sure the tail lamp assemlies are securely mounted and not rattling around loose as you cruise down the road.
The overvoltage can be fairly transient, so a voltmeter, even an aftermarket one, will be necessary to monitor this. Instead of recalibrating your existing gauge, have you considered a wrecking yard or eBay for a used instrument cluster? You can install only the voltmeter if you wish, and retain all the other original gauges.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
A working voltmeter would be very helpful in diagnosing the problem. There are two things that will force lamps into early retirement - high voltage and mechanical shock. Unless you have pipes welded in place of your shock absorbers, or frequently enter demolition derbies, the shock shouldn't be a factor. Just make sure the tail lamp assemlies are securely mounted and not rattling around loose as you cruise down the road.
The overvoltage can be fairly transient, so a voltmeter, even an aftermarket one, will be necessary to monitor this. Instead of recalibrating your existing gauge, have you considered a wrecking yard or eBay for a used instrument cluster? You can install only the voltmeter if you wish, and retain all the other original gauges.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
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From: Belleville, IL USA
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Kerri:
I have this reaccuring problem w/my RS-
All 3 of my tail lights periodically blow out. Last year both brake lights were replaced as well as my center brake light.
All the lights go out simultaniously. It seems like too much of a coincidence that this would happen 2x in a row...however, my voltmeter is dead-$350 to send it to GM to be recalibrated. Could my wires somehow be shorting out my lights? If I disconnect the stock voltmeter and use an aftermarket would it make a differance? The after market things in my car that were in before this happened were a Pioneer CD player, 2 6x9 Infinitys in the back, Hurst Dual Gate Shifter, and Lojack. The Lojack gave me problems with my starter (the chip is still in the car-the audible alarm and starter kill switch are gone) and I also have a Wasp alarm by Viper. Any suggestions would be appreciated-I'm tired of replacing bulbs!!</font>
I have this reaccuring problem w/my RS-
All 3 of my tail lights periodically blow out. Last year both brake lights were replaced as well as my center brake light.
All the lights go out simultaniously. It seems like too much of a coincidence that this would happen 2x in a row...however, my voltmeter is dead-$350 to send it to GM to be recalibrated. Could my wires somehow be shorting out my lights? If I disconnect the stock voltmeter and use an aftermarket would it make a differance? The after market things in my car that were in before this happened were a Pioneer CD player, 2 6x9 Infinitys in the back, Hurst Dual Gate Shifter, and Lojack. The Lojack gave me problems with my starter (the chip is still in the car-the audible alarm and starter kill switch are gone) and I also have a Wasp alarm by Viper. Any suggestions would be appreciated-I'm tired of replacing bulbs!!</font>
I'm not sure if I agree with the high voltage theory yet. The voltage at your taillights should not be any higher than your charging system voltage. It would take a very high voltage to take out your lights like that. Many racers run 16+ volts and never have a problem.
Without seeing the problem myself I would have to add a couple of blanket statements to cover similar light problems I've dealt with in the past.
*Moisture in the lamp housings is the main cause for lamp failures.
*Most electrical problems are caused by faulty grounds.
good luck,
ODB
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