Electrical problem

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Jun 22, 2007 | 04:35 AM

racerseks

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,003

Likes: 13

Electrical problem

I have a problem I can't figure out. Here's what's going on. All exterior lighting on the front passenger side has dimmer illumination than the driver's side. Turn signal seems a bit slow on that side as well, but does work. Now when I turn the headlights on, neither turn indicator will flash, and the park light on the passenger side does not light up. In addition, the third brake light does not work with headlights on or off.

Here's what I've done:

Replaced headlight, replaced turn signal bulb, replaced third brake light bulbs, replaced related fuses.

Can't figure this one out. Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks!

Jun 22, 2007 | 08:14 AM

pcolt94

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 5,621

Likes: 206

From: Orlando FL

I would first start looking for a poor ground connection. The Helms FSM would be a great help here because it shows you the ground configurations and where they are.

The same go for the power distribution wiring. You can see if there is a relationship between the problem areas getting their power.

Jun 22, 2007 | 08:52 AM

shop14

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 170

Likes: 0

From: PORT JEFFERSON LONG ISLAND

definately check for a grounding issue.

Jun 22, 2007 | 03:33 PM

racerseks

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,003

Likes: 13

Thanks for the input What's the "Helms FSM", and where might I find it?

Jun 22, 2007 | 03:56 PM

jdeatsch

Instructor

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 175

Likes: 0

Helms

is located at www.helminc.com

They are a source for factory service manuals for our cars and many others.

That which you describe is, as stated above, most likely a ground issue. Too many things with too many issues to almost not be.

Start hunting is about the way to approach it.

hth,

Jim

Jun 22, 2007 | 10:07 PM

racerseks

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,003

Likes: 13

Thanks.....I went and took a peak earlier today, and found a loose groundwire. Apparently the AC compressor kept popping fuses, and it was disconnected at some point, and I'm guessing at this time that this groundwire was taken off at the time. The signal and dimness problem seems to have gone away.

Right now, I just want it to pass a safety inspection.....so that means the lights etc. The third brake light is still not lighting up, though the bulbs have been changed. LOOKS good, in there.....any suggestions where to look for problems?

Thanks for the tips!

Jun 22, 2007 | 10:08 PM

racerseks

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,003

Likes: 13

Thanks.....I went and took a peak earlier today, and found a loose groundwire. Apparently the AC compressor kept popping fuses, and it was disconnected at some point, and I'm guessing at this time that this groundwire was taken off at the time. The signal and dimness problem seems to have gone away.

Right now, I just want it to pass a safety inspection.....so that means the lights etc. The third brake light is still not lighting up, though the bulb has been changed. Socket LOOKS good, and has not been changed yet.....but any suggestions where to look for problems?

Thanks for the tips!

Jun 23, 2007 | 12:50 AM

jfb

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 54,124

Likes: 30

From: Cincinnati, Oh USA

The brake actuated switch has two contacts, one supplies power to the lower brake lights and the other supplies power to the high brake light. The blue wire on the brake switch goes to the high brake light and you can check for 12v on this wire, brake applied. The brown wire on the brake switch supplies power to both contacts.