Brake Light Problem Update

[Dennis DiNorcia CLC 19071]

Just did a preliminary test of the brake lights in my car and it seems when the headlights are on, the third brake light lights very dim. (This should be off if the brakes are not applied) When I remove one of the bulbs, the other one lights up bright. When both are removed, the top two bulbs of each taillight dim. I think the short could be in the third brake light system since when you step on the brake that will light up bright but the taillights dim. Is there a fuse for the third light so I can see if this stops the problem? Thanks for the help.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Just did a preliminary test of the brake lights in my car and it seems when the headlights are on, the third brake light lights very dim. (This should be off if the brakes are not applied) When I remove one of the bulbs, the other one lights up bright. When both are removed, the top two bulbs of each taillight dim. I think the short could be in the third brake light system since when you step on the brake that will light up bright but the taillights dim. Is there a fuse for the third light so I can see if this stops the problem? Thanks for the help.

G'day Dennis,

If there was a short on the Power side of the wiring, the Fuse would blow immediately, of if it was attached to the Headliight Circuit, then the Circuit Breaker would come into play.

So, I believe that the problem will be in a Grounding area, that is somewhere tied in with the Tail Light Circuitry and the Stop Lights.

If your problem was in an English car using Lucas electrics, then you would be in real strife.

Check ALL the Earth (Grounds) from the Battery to the Chassis, Battery to engine, Chassis to Body, Dash Board to Body, Gauge Panel to Body, everywhere.

When did this problem start?   Was it after driving over a rough road?   Putting something heavy or bulky in the Trunk?  A Crash?   A Service?   After you vacuumed out the car?   You do vacuum it out, don't you? 

Lots of possibilities.

Bruce.

[Guidematic]

 Also check all of the bulbs and sockets. A cross feed could be causing the problem.

Mike

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Also check all of the bulbs and sockets. A cross feed could be causing the problem.     Mike   

Plus, make sure that someone hasn't tried to insert the wrong type of globe.  Like a single contact in a double contact socket, and vice versa.

Bruce.

PS.   Has to be something really simple.

[Glen]

Also check all of the bulbs and sockets. A cross feed could be causing the problem.     Mike   

Plus, make sure that someone hasn't tried to insert the wrong type of globe.  Like a single contact in a double contact socket, and vice versa.

Bruce.

PS.   Has to be something really simple.

That’s one I had not thought of.  I can see where it would cause something like this. 

Good one, thanks.

Glen