High mounted stoplight problem (1990 Coupe)

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Jan 2, 2006 | 01:19 PM

PBnf

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From: Alma AR

High mounted stoplight problem (1990 Coupe)

I've just found out that the high mounted (third) brakelight is out on my 1990 coupe. Looking at it, it looks like it has 4 seperate lights, is that true? Or, is there only one? Also, if there are multiple lights there I wouldn't think all of them would go out at the same time. How would I get to the brake pedal switch that activates them. Is that seperate from the normal tail lights that are working fine? Thanks in advance for any help I can get.

Paul

Jan 2, 2006 | 07:37 PM

1990 c4

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From: Halifax Va

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Quote:

Originally Posted by PBnf

Not sure about the coupe, but the '90 vert only has one bulb. It can be accessed by removing the gas fill door and the rubber boot underneath. If the bulb is okay, then it's probably the brake switch. It's a double switch, one side works the regular brake lights, the other side works the third light. Remove the dash panel to access. There are several screws that go through the carpet, and also three or four on the end of the panel near the door. Once it's off, you can remove the metal panel underneath for further access. There are four or five bolts holding it on.

Jan 2, 2006 | 08:37 PM

mseven

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From: The Motor City

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBnf

Four little halagens in there, if one goes out others stay on. It is seperate in the sense that if they are out, the brake lights in the bumper still function. Pulling it apart is not that hard, however each bulb is pushed in and has two wires only going into the conector. They are real easy to bend, or not go into the connector properly.

Jan 2, 2006 | 11:03 PM

Photomania

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Thanks for the alert. I have a 1990 couple and I'll check mine to make sure they're working.

I've got an inspection coming up next month. I don't know if this would keep a car from passing inspection in Virginia. -- Eric

Jan 3, 2006 | 01:04 AM

steve1ph2

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From: richardson tx

just replaced all 4 bulbs in my `90 2 days a go. i think i paid 34 dollars for all 4 they are about 8 bucks apiece. seems strange that none of yours are working. what you should do is go to the parts store they will let you have one to plug in and make shure it works. if it does seems all of them are burned if it doesnt work seems like a fuse or something. fyi 2 of mine were working but i just replaced all of them so they would all be new. open the hatch their are two star ( torx crap ) headed screws then the third light assy will come off and you can get to the other 2 phillips headed screws which will let you get to the bulbs. if it turns out the there is a fuse ect... issue i have the `90 gm books and will trace it down for you.

Jan 3, 2006 | 01:25 AM

Aggravated4life

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Photomania

When I lived in NY,my Vette failed Inspection when one of the high mount bulbs were out.At that time,the only available bulb cost me 15 bucks!
None of the stores had them and the stealer was the only option then.

If you have an simple handheld electric tester,use that to see if youre getting power at the connections.That saves alot of time diagnosing whats wrong.

Jan 3, 2006 | 08:43 AM

HeeHaw89

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From: Middle River MD

Mine did that once and all I did was move the wiring harness around under the hatch glass so it sat a little less "stressed".
Have been working ever since...