Help! 3rd. Brakelight problem 88 Conv. ??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1
Help! 3rd. Brakelight problem 88 Conv. ??
I have an 88 roadster with all 3 bulbs out ont the 3rd brakelight! Is there a seperate fuse somewhere I cannot find? How do I get to the light to check the bulbs? I dropped the spare carrier, took off the fuel door, took off the tag, and I still can't get to it any ideas? I find it hard to believe that all 3 bulbs would go out at once?Is there something else I should look at??
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The 3rd brakelight has a separate wire coming from the brake light switch down on the steering column. In many cases, it's the switch that is bad even though the brake lights work fine.
The wire for the 3rd brake light at the switch is light blue. I would start at the switch and see if that is the problem. You can apply 12v to the light blue wire and check the light operation. If it comes on, then it's the switch or the connector.
The wire for the 3rd brake light at the switch is light blue. I would start at the switch and see if that is the problem. You can apply 12v to the light blue wire and check the light operation. If it comes on, then it's the switch or the connector.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
On my '88 the manual says to remove:
-fuel filler door assy
-fuel tank filler cap
-fuel filler housing & drain hose
-license plate
-stamped bolts from lens assembly
-light assy by lowering it and removing through license plate opening
-electrical connector
Good luck...
-fuel filler door assy
-fuel tank filler cap
-fuel filler housing & drain hose
-license plate
-stamped bolts from lens assembly
-light assy by lowering it and removing through license plate opening
-electrical connector
Good luck...
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 49
From: A place where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned
And be a contortionist!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1
O.K. Thanks for all the help so far.
I have the panel under the dash off. I can see the switch. It has an orange, a blue and white wire going to it.. But when I dropped the panel there was a red and black wire with a large connector on the end. it is just abutt con. no ports? Then I have 2 small yellow wires with a connector inside a small black harness. Not plugged into anything? maybe it is supposed to be plugged in?I was going to try the switch route before going to far on dismantling the rear of the car. Thanks in advance for all the help.
I have the panel under the dash off. I can see the switch. It has an orange, a blue and white wire going to it.. But when I dropped the panel there was a red and black wire with a large connector on the end. it is just abutt con. no ports? Then I have 2 small yellow wires with a connector inside a small black harness. Not plugged into anything? maybe it is supposed to be plugged in?I was going to try the switch route before going to far on dismantling the rear of the car. Thanks in advance for all the help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 42
From: Baltimore, MD USA
Unplug the orange wire which has 12 volts on it at all times. Unplug the Light Blue wire which goes to the 3rd brake lights. Short them together with a piece of wire. The third brake light should be on. If they light, the switch is bad.
The two yellow wires with a small plug going no where is probably the two wires that come from the ignition cylinder that makes contact with the key pellet.
Someone has used a bypass resistor for the Pass key system.
The two yellow wires with a small plug going no where is probably the two wires that come from the ignition cylinder that makes contact with the key pellet.
Someone has used a bypass resistor for the Pass key system.
Last edited by Hooked on Vettes; Jan 22, 2007 at 06:23 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
I replaced the bulbs in my 88 convertible. You can remove the bulbs by removing the rear plate. There are two speed nuts that hold the light frame on. I lowered it down through the plate area. The replacement bulbs are halogen and cost about $12.99 each. I guess it would be easier if you removed the gas cap door and rubber gasket for access. Be careful removing the gasket. They rip easily because they are old.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1
Thanks for all the help!! Hooked the 2 yellow wires come down through the steering column, so i'm sure you are correct, I didnt know what they were. how about the large red and black wire with the dummy end on it?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1
Kool are you saying you think it might be the bulbs? I didn't think all 3 wold go out at once so I was kind of going in another direction. You have to be a contorsionist to do anything on these cars. I have never had one this new, what a job!!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
All 3 of my bulbs were out. Actually there was only 2 bulbs in there. Check your wires first.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,590
Likes: 48
From: W MI
I replaced the bulbs in my 88 convertible. You can remove the bulbs by removing the rear plate. There are two speed nuts that hold the light frame on. I lowered it down through the plate area. The replacement bulbs are halogen and cost about $12.99 each. I guess it would be easier if you removed the gas cap door and rubber gasket for access. Be careful removing the gasket. They rip easily because they are old.
One of my favorite pictures, no third light, no back up lights either.
I removed the plate, reached up with a small box end wrench (I think it was 10mm) and I removed the 2 nuts holding that 3rd light bracket. I then pulled it down and I replaced the bulbs. I never fiddled with anything other than the backup light housings, the plate and the 3rd light. I bought new bulbs at Autozone for ~$8 a piece and I think the back up bulbs were dirt cheap. My memory isn't perfect, but I thought it was pretty straightforward.
I have medium sized hands and I had a little trouble, but see if your SO or kid is willing to help you. I got the bulbs out and new ones in and was back in business within an hour.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1
Got the light out! All the bulbs look o.k., but I could not find my ohm meter. I must have loaned it,but to who? The bulbs are not black or discolered, the filament looks ok? i will get an ohm meter today..
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1
I checked all the bulbs and all were ok.I bought a new ohm meter put it on the 2 wires going into the lightn bar.Had my wife step on the brake pedal Bingo I got power back there.I checked again still had power back to the light bar.I put the bulbs in and when I tried it again no power. Is it safe to assume the switch is getting warm and failing?
It is a pain for me litterly as I have a bad back to get under the dash.This is why I am trying to do what I can without trying to get in there!!
All advice will be appreciated!! thanks for all so far.
It is a pain for me litterly as I have a bad back to get under the dash.This is why I am trying to do what I can without trying to get in there!!
All advice will be appreciated!! thanks for all so far.
Last edited by tls630; Jan 24, 2007 at 07:37 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 42
From: Baltimore, MD USA
Since you have the light bar out, use the car battery and two pieces of wire or jumper clips and put 12 volts from the battery to the light bar plug and see if the bulbs light.
Last edited by Hooked on Vettes; Jan 24, 2007 at 08:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 1
I made a jumper wire as suggested by Hooked and jumped from the orange to the blue, Bingo the 3rd light worked. Thanks to Hooked and all the others that helped. I have a switch on order from Ecklers.. Thanks again !!