countrysquire

Need some help boys, can't figure this one out. Center brake light is working, but neither the left or right brake lights are. According to the wiring diagram (if I'm reading it right) there is a single wire from the brake light switch to the CHL and 'regular' brake lights. There appears to be a plug somewhere where the feed split to the different lights. Not sure where this junction is, but it seems like this might be where the problem is. Anyone know where this thing is located, or do I need to look elsewhere?

The transmission was out a little while back for a RMS/IMS job, maybe it is in a location where it could have been disturbed, but I don't know.

As always, guidance is appreciated.

Kazual99

Do the park, turn signal and backup lights function?

Kazual99

oh, what drawings or schematics are you using?

countrysquire

Yes, the other lights seem to function normally. Looking at the verion of the shop manual which has been available on line.

Also, guess the year would help too... 1999 C2.

SSST

Did you check the bulbs? Just asking.

countrysquire

No offense taken! I have learned over the years to always check the simplest things first. Yes the bulbs look fine and have continuity. Thanks.

Kazual99

Im working on my C2 around noon eastern today and I'll see what I can uncover for you as far as trouble shooting.

countrysquire

Thanks Kazual. I spent about 15 minutes looking at it yesterday, but having already had a few pale ales, I figured it was best to to crawl under the car and look around. Maybe I'll do it today when I get home from work.

countrysquire

OK, have spent a little time trying to solve this, but still no love. Driver side brake light illuminates, but not as bright as a brake light should be. Passenger side will not light up even though it shows 11.65 volts. Turn on the headlights and the working incandescent light goes out, plus the cruise doesn't work with the lights on. All of this made me think that the problem was with the brake light switch, but a new one didn't solve anything. The tail lights and brake lights share the same ground, so I don't think that's the problem. I do realize that the headlight switches on these cars do fail, but don't see how this would effect the brake light circuit.

Any ideas as to what I'm missing?

redridge

do you have a brake light (at the dash) on?

countrysquire

Nope, no warning lights at all. Someone had to point it out to me that only my center brake light was on.

redridge

that is very interesting, I would try to swap out the ignition switch... a bad switch is prone to electrical anomalies w/o any signs of logic... though this is the first Ive heard for brake lights not working w/o a light at the dash... this is certainly an anomaly... verify that your light bulb is working when you first turn the key on or pull a brake bulb out... this should turn on the brake dash out.

The ignition switch is cheap enough and 15-30min.... fix.... Im reaching here but worth the shot.

fpb111

Sounds like a bad ground. Different ground for CHMSL? Does the one in the tail work when it is deployed?

countrysquire

I feel like it's a ground too, but don't know. I have not checked to see if the CHMSL on the spoiler is working, but that's easy enough. Also thinking that I should disconnect the headlight switch and see what happens. The one other thing that has just occurred to me is that I did install LED license plate lights a little while back. Not sure how this could effect anything, but I have seen LEDs cause weird things. I'll pop them out this afternoon and see if that makes any difference.

I appreciate the suggestions.

countrysquire

OK, pulled the LED license plate bulbs, no change. Pulled the headlight switch, no change. We can cross both of those off the list... dammit.