Running Light Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Wilson North Carolina
Running Light Problem
First off my front running light keep acting up. I replaced the bulbs but one of the two usually fails within a few days. After noticing this the problem fixes itself and then fails again. I am thinkin there could be a short somewhere or a loose ground wire? Any input on this would help. The car is a 1998.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
Wow! I'm having essentially the exact same problem. What I don't understand is why the bulb works when I use my parking lights, but fails to work when I use my turn signal or DRLs. It is the same bulb!!
Went to some trouble to replace the bulb this weekend. After swapping in the new bulb, the wifey clicked the turn-signal for me and everything worked great. When I walked to the front of the car to move the ramps (and the car was idling), I saw the bulb go out for the DRLs. Tried the turn-signal and it failed to work.
Don’t know why.
I tried cleaning the contacts with electrical cleaner but that apparently had little effect.
Any help?
2000 Coupe
Went to some trouble to replace the bulb this weekend. After swapping in the new bulb, the wifey clicked the turn-signal for me and everything worked great. When I walked to the front of the car to move the ramps (and the car was idling), I saw the bulb go out for the DRLs. Tried the turn-signal and it failed to work.
Don’t know why.I tried cleaning the contacts with electrical cleaner but that apparently had little effect.
Any help?
2000 Coupe
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Wilson North Carolina
[QUOTE=FASST LN]Wow! I'm having essentially the exact same problem. What I don't understand is why the bulb works when I use my parking lights, but fails to work when I use my turn signal or DRLs. It is the same bulb!!
I have the same issues. Works when they want to. The turn signal will also sometimes work though but no running light?...
I have the same issues. Works when they want to. The turn signal will also sometimes work though but no running light?...
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Heights ILLINOIS
I had a simalar problem,but only on the drivers side. I checked everything and found it to be corroded wires that run inside the plastic front bumper. I have stressed before that everyone that owns an early C-5 should have the Y-Platform sevice manuals. They have good electrical trouble shooting guides. Mine is a ' 98 too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 807
Likes: 21
From: Los Altos CA
There are two filaments in the bulb - one for DRL's/turnsignals and another for the parking light and two circuits. So one can work without the other. You can get a good price on a manual from Fred Beans,and advertizer on this site.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
[QUOTE=C-$]
I'm a little confused when you say you have parking but no turn signals/DRLs. The way the bulb works is that it has two live feeds and a common ground
There are 3 wires running to the bulbholder
a blue/white wire which is the live feed for the turn signal function
a brown wire which is the live feed for the parking light function. This also powers the DRLs. You can disable DRLs and leave just parking by pulling the A2 fuse. this would help to troubleshoot.
a black wire which is the common ground.
So, it is possible that you can have a problem on the live side of either circuit and still have the other function working.
Originally Posted by FASST LN
Wow! I'm having essentially the exact same problem. What I don't understand is why the bulb works when I use my parking lights, but fails to work when I use my turn signal or DRLs. It is the same bulb!!
I have the same issues. Works when they want to. The turn signal will also sometimes work though but no running light?...
I have the same issues. Works when they want to. The turn signal will also sometimes work though but no running light?...
There are 3 wires running to the bulbholder
a blue/white wire which is the live feed for the turn signal function
a brown wire which is the live feed for the parking light function. This also powers the DRLs. You can disable DRLs and leave just parking by pulling the A2 fuse. this would help to troubleshoot.
a black wire which is the common ground.
So, it is possible that you can have a problem on the live side of either circuit and still have the other function working.
Last edited by DeeGee; Jun 28, 2006 at 07:03 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
So are you saying that the brown wire is for the DRL's? I've been looking at schematics because I would like to use a led called switchback from autolumination.com but I'm not sure if they will work on our cars. Sorry about "highjacking" the thread!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by VETTING
So are you saying that the brown wire is for the DRL's? I've been looking at schematics because I would like to use a led called switchback from autolumination.com but I'm not sure if they will work on our cars. Sorry about "highjacking" the thread!
My Vert is modified for UK standards. I have a tap off the side repeater lamp circuit which drives a white parking light fitted into the Euro headlights. The brown wire is snipped leaving just turn signals on the amber bulb. The A2 fuse is pulled to inhibit the DRLs. However, if I put the fuse back I get amber DRLs until I pop up the headlights. On park or low or high beam I then just get white lights.
When I take it to UK I'll do the permanent relay fix.
