It Always Seems To Be The Brake Lights and Turn Signal...

You gentlemen probably know by now that my brake lights and turn signals seem to have a mind of their own. My brake lights nor turn signals worked today on my way home from school. They worked on the way but nothing on the ride home. The regular tail lights work fine, though. I went through and looked at each bulb and all the filaments are in tact, but I'm not sure if that's a reliable method for checking them. I plan to replace all four tomorrow with new 1157's.

I replaced the blinker last fall and it has been working fine, and since the brake lights don't work either that probably isn't the problem. The fuse is fine, and I don't know where the ground is but the ones I've seen before are all where they are supposed to be. Oh and I do plan on replacing the harness, hopefully sooner than later. What could be causing both?

Thanks for the help guys, and I'm sorry my car has a very sporadic wiring system. :spank:

PS- I need to replace the license plate light bulb. Would that just be a normal 1156?

 

Consider the steering column. While operating the rear lights have someone move the turn signal lever to see if the correct function is affected.

 

I'm sorry Jim, I don't quite understand what you mean. Could you explain? Thanks.

 

I am saying the symptoms you describe can originate from a wiring issue in your steering column and that if you jiggle the turn signal lever you may see a change in you rear lighting confirming this.

 

Ok, I understand. I'll see what I can find out today. Thanks.

 

did you manage to accidentally bump the hazzard switch half way in?

 

I have done that once before and I think it was actually you who told me to check that. It worked the last time, but this time that's not the problem.

 

Oh and where would be a good place for a new harness? I searched google and the forum and can't seem to find anything.

 

Thanks Jason. From now on I'll live by that quote. I may save myself some money!

 

Oh and what's the difference between the switch assemblies w/ cornering lamp and w/ hazard switch? I have no idea what either of those mean.

 

Totally different parts and part numbers.

 

Yes, but I don't know what one I need.

 

You may have luck getting the dealer to locate one for you; I did.

Do an emperical test to make sure it isn't bulbs.

 

Alright guys. It's not the bulbs. I also learned that the reverse lights don't work either. And the 1156 is the same intensity as the high beams on the 1157, correct. So it's all the 1156/1157 high beams. I don't have the schematics for the skylark but it seams like it's all stemming from the column and I believe it's the switch.

I've never been good with electrical systems, but I think I've got this one narrowed down pretty well. If someone would scan a copy of the schematics for the wiring and post it as a pdf that would be very helpful. And again, all your input is welcome. Thanks guys.

 

I haven't had the hazard flasher for about 6 months now. When I took the old one out the prongs were so corroded they didn't come out, so there's no hazard flasher. I replaced the turn signal flasher in October, and that wouldn't effect the reverse lights, would it?