Brake Light Problem Solved
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Brake Light Problem Solved
Well my brake lights are now working again. The burning question: Why would Bubba splice a 0.47 MFD capacitor across the leads in and out of the brake pedal switch that actuates the brake lights?:rolleyes:
This problem was driving me nuts. Sometimes I would have 12 volts power coming out of the brake switch. But when I would connect it to the turn signal switch, suddenly zero voltage. I assume that the capacitor has been in place in the brake circuit for at least 20 years. I'm a mechanical engineer so I have no idea what happens when a capacitor dies of old age. But it sure screwed up my brake lights.
That also explains why my hazard warning and turn signals (which use the same bulbs, filaments, and wiring) always worked!!!
Since I dropped the column, disassembled it,:smash: and took the turn signal switch to Delphi for a checkup, I now have more first hand experience to add to my T&T Steering Column Disassembly Papers. Expect an updated paper at Terry Rudy's http://www.corvettefaq.com websight shortly. :yesnod:
This problem was driving me nuts. Sometimes I would have 12 volts power coming out of the brake switch. But when I would connect it to the turn signal switch, suddenly zero voltage. I assume that the capacitor has been in place in the brake circuit for at least 20 years. I'm a mechanical engineer so I have no idea what happens when a capacitor dies of old age. But it sure screwed up my brake lights.
That also explains why my hazard warning and turn signals (which use the same bulbs, filaments, and wiring) always worked!!!
Since I dropped the column, disassembled it,:smash: and took the turn signal switch to Delphi for a checkup, I now have more first hand experience to add to my T&T Steering Column Disassembly Papers. Expect an updated paper at Terry Rudy's http://www.corvettefaq.com websight shortly. :yesnod:
