NOT JEEP but i thik the same principal

[funvtec]

I know this is a jeep forum but i thik my problem is going to be along the same my Jeep would have.


I have an 86 Chevy Spectrum (import) and the brake lights dont come on.
The tail lights work fine. The third brake light works fine. I have 4 tail lights that light up when i put on my headlights but dont light the second filiment when i hit the brakes. I have tried new bulbs, no luck. I made sure all the bulbs were in correct ( with the dim filiment lit up, even tried it backwards no luck) there is a 4 prong nipondenso relay next to everything not sure how to test it.


relay numbers
068300-0030 12V 23Wx4
Thanks for any input

 

[Rick Anderson]

The third brake light works fine.

The 3rd Brake Light comes on when you step on the pedal?? If so, then your brake light switch on the brake is most likely working correctly. I'd suspect the relay your looking at.

You need something to test an electric circuit with, a multi-meter is best, a test lamp will work.

A relay should have 4 contacts, 2 are for the switch that supplies the relay current and 2 are for the other circuit that gets switched on by the relay.

You can pull the relay and check the 2 contacts that should get voltage when you step on the brake pedal, if you get proper voltage, then the circuit is good to that point.

To check the relay itself, you have to energize it with the proper voltage/current applied to the two proper contacts and then check for a complete circuit over the other 2 contacts. The circuit should open when you secure the voltage/current.

 

[funvtec]

thanks Rick, I just got off the phone with auto zone to see about a replacement. Quite frankly i suck when it comes to electrical, I have a multimeter but really don't know how to use it. Auto Zone says its not available. is there a better chain I could try? I know there is a great source over the net but i don't want to wait to fix it. If I have to I will.

thanks again. and yes the third brake light works fine. I can hear the switch on the pedal click when the light comes on.

 

[87manche]

try NAPA, they're usually pretty good about matching relays and such.
Have you checked the grounds? I'd bet the sid markers share the same ground. Take your multimeter, ground it to the body somewhere and see if you've got 12V in the socket. If you've got 12V in the socket but the lights don't work then it's probably a ground issue. Easiest fix is to ground the socket using new wires and screws to some sheetmetal that's handy.

 

[funvtec]

well i know i have a good ground because the dim filiment lights up. If that didn't come on then i would have a bad ground correct?

Bumper to bumper didn't have it either their cross wasn't available either

crap i hate this stuff

thanks again fellas

 

[MJmk]

Can't remember for sure, but I think those have more than one circuit through the stoplight switch. If this is the case, see if you can jump the connecter and get the lights to work. If you have trouble finding parts, check with an Isuzu dealer. I think the equivelant model is the I-Mark.

 

[funvtec]

Can't remember for sure, but I think those have more than one circuit through the stoplight switch. If this is the case, see if you can jump the connecter and get the lights to work. If you have trouble finding parts, check with an Isuzu dealer. I think the equivelant model is the I-Mark.

not sure, it has a Mitsubishi motor i think. Chevy said its discontinued but they have a warehouse that has them for $75 bucks OUCH.

 

[funvtec]

NAPA is $53 but cant get it until wednesday earliest.

i'm gonna call some salvage yards i just dont know wether to call an import or domestic yard LOL

 

[MJmk]

Just saying make sure to check the switch. I think there are two circuits (four wires) that you should check before spending$$ !

 

[midnightrunxj]

That is a awsome car. I had one that my dad bought new in 87 up till last year when i sold it. Still had the factory rad hoses at 200k. The only problem it ever had was with the headlamp relay which had a bad connection with the fuse block. A little cleaning and it worked great. I loved that car, I know its sad but i did

 

[funvtec]

Just saying make sure to check the switch. I think there are two circuits (four wires) that you should check before spending$$ !

the switch on the back of the pedal?

That is a awsome car. I had one that my dad bought new in 87 up till last year when i sold it. Still had the factory rad hoses at 200k. The only problem it ever had was with the headlamp relay which had a bad connection with the fuse block. A little cleaning and it worked great. I loved that car, I know its sad but i did

yeah thats what i've been hearing, I bought it as a gas saver for back and forth to work and around town $350 and it runs great just filthy inside, i cleaned it up and put some seat covers on the front seats and it lokos 100 times better. I just need to clean the back seats and it will look pretty nice.

 

[MJmk]

Like I said, I could be wrong! If there are only two wires on the switch at the pedal, then I am. Apologies!

 

[casm]

Shot in the dark, but does this car (IIRC, it's basically an Isuzu) use printed circuit boards to mount the lamp assemblies for the taillights?

If so, check that the PCBs haven't flexed out over time causing bad solder joins, broken traces, or the connector to it from the wiring harness to not be making good contact. Been through this on several Peugeots, and it was annoying every time it would happen.

 

[funvtec]

Shot in the dark, but does this car (IIRC, it's basically an Isuzu) use printed circuit boards to mount the lamp assemblies for the taillights?

If so, check that the PCBs haven't flexed out over time causing bad solder joins, broken traces, or the connector to it from the wiring harness to not be making good contact. Been through this on several Peugeots, and it was annoying every time it would happen.

no it uses the normal socket type connectors and 1157 bulbs

i think the brake switch is working correctly or the 3rd brake light wouldn't operate. right?

thanks alot for all the input guys i really appreciate everything

 

[Eagle]

It's a Chevy.

Chevy tail/brake lights are ALWAYS screwy. If they work right it isn't a real Chevy.

Hint: It's usually a bad ground.

 

[Matthew Currie]

It's a Chevy.

Chevy tail/brake lights are ALWAYS screwy. If they work right it isn't a real Chevy.

Hint: It's usually a bad ground.

I'm sure it's in the owner's manual for my K2500 truck somewhere, right next to the addendum they sent telling me not actually to use the overdrive if I don't want it to burst into flames. The radio is supposed to flash when you turn left, and the dash lights to go out when you hit the brake. It's not a bug, it's a feature.:confused1

 

[funvtec]

hahah

I'm gonna go to a u-pull-it junk yard tomorrow and see if i can stumble across an Isuzu I-mark or a spectrum.

I haven't been to a u-pull-it in years i love those places, the only one i knew of closed down but i found a another one only 10 minutes away

 

[midnightrunxj]

Ah yes mint 87'

 

[funvtec]

Ah yes mint 87'

thats clean, i got the HB one in black