"Check Stop Lamp" - One brake light not on ?

835 Views 15 Replies 7 Participants Last post by idainc, 4 mo ago

idainc

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

I got this message and all bulbs are intact. Just the drivers side is out (the bulb is OK ) Regardless I replaced it. Fuses OK. The wiring diagram shows all brake lights controlled by relay so that's not it. I sprayed the contacts in the offending brake light socket and pried them out and still no luck. All fuses OK as well.

I am suspecting a local wiring issue that I cant see and considering replacing the harness for about $60. Cant imagine anything else.

All ideas greatly appreciated.

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idainc

Discussion Starter · #3 · 5 mo ago

2004. Interestingly enough the part # for the harness is different for the right side than the left. The pictures from parts places are identical with one noting "fog light" or no "fog light" all models of the car have a marker light on the side of the bumper/

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idainc

Discussion Starter · #6 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

3RD brake light works. Right brake light works. I am doing this alone so I cant hear if the relay clicks. If I am reading these correctly the brake lights are all “downstream” of the fuses and relay. I don’t have the $5 light but it has to be live on the right side since the bulb lights up. It must not be live on the left because it wont light up all three bulbs I have. It looks like one relay controls all three brake lights ?

Am I correct in assuming that the REM, relay and fuses all control all three brake lights and if one bulb is out it must be either the bulb or something in the harness ? The whole interior of that tail light assembly is filthy. I sprayed the socket with cleaner as well.

Thank you both.

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idainc

Discussion Starter · #7 · 4 mo ago

I replaced the tail light harness with a new one and a new bulb and the condition still exists. Drivers side brake light still out. Any ideas ? In a quiet garage I can hear the relay go on and off when I step on the brake.

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idainc

Discussion Starter · #10 · 4 mo ago

Thank you both. This is the harness for the tail light showing the four bulbs and a socket that serves the marker light in the bumper. As i understand it the hot wire comes out of the REM and splits to go to both brake lights. The problem is between that split and the connector that attaches to the tail light harness. The problem at the moment is that I due to a family problem I don't have anyone to operate the brake pedal and assist me. My mechanic was confident he could diagnose this is an hour ($110) + repair costs. He's pretty good and done a lot of work for me so I really have to go that route. I much appreciate your help and replies.

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idainc

Discussion Starter · #13 · 4 mo ago

Thanks, that's a great video. I'm always hesitant to tackle things that are more involved. This is my only car and I really depend on it. I called a few dealers in the area and beyond and I had one refer me to an outside shop (not mine) because they didn't have anyone working there who had any experience at all on "classic" cars. Never heard a dealer turn away business. Will update afterwards,.

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