Brake lights not working - advice request!

Dave B

Dave B

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Carnoustie, Scotland
Hey guys,

Just got home today and discovered when reversing my CSi into the garage that the brake lights are not working. Rear lights, rear indicators, reverse light, and number plate lights are all ok. Just no brake lights. Had a look at the fuse box. I couldnt see any blown fuses.

Whats the most likely problem? Being not mechanically minded ( car dimwit really! ) I would appreciate any advice.

Is it very unlikely for two bulbs to fail at the same time? I was thinking that was a very long shot.

Is there a relay in the mix? Could it be a bad earth problem?

Please help the Scottish thicko!
 
It should be either the brake light switch, or some cabling/connector
issue.

Unlikely that both bulbs burned at the same time, but then again
maybe it wasn't at the same time.

Unlikely that it is ground, as the ground is shared by all the
lights in the back. No relays, just the fuse, switch, bulb
circuit.

The wiring diagram is at
http://www.cscoupe.org/tech/autobooks/appendix/autobooks_manual_157.htm

and the brake light switch is labeled 51.
 
I also found the brake light bulb receptacles were pretty corroded on mine. Once I scraped off the build up, the lights worked much better. The other lights worked fine.
 
When mine failed, I began looking for an "exotic" problem. It was just the brake light switch located above the pedal. Part was about $20 and it took about 10 minutes to replace.
 
BTDT

Dave....

Coupe tail light clusters are poorly engineered. There, I've said it, now come what may.

The typical failures are the bulb sockets getting corroded, then the trick one: the ground bar that runs across all the sockets is brass, but it's secured with iron rivets. It looks okay but over time a little corrosion forms between the iron and the brass, and ....

voila...

lights no workie.

I had to run a separate ground from one of my sockets, to the ground bar. I told myself is was only tempo, but it's been working for years without a problem, so I leave well enough alone.

Some real persnickety types have drilled out the iron rivets and replaced them with proper brass ones. One could also use small brass bolts. Maybe someday I'll have enough time and patience on my hands to do this, but for now, the rear carb is out for some attention. And this group hasn't been much help about that. Oh well, it's my problem and I'll address it in good time, but the surf forecast for this weekend is looking quite interesting and I have Friday off.

Cheers, hope this helps. I doubt a broken wire, but a few simple motions with a continuity tester will soon show the culprit. Yes the brake switch can get out of whack, but I don't think that happens often unless you've recently mucked with it.
 
Dodgy brake lights

Guys,

Thanks for all the posts. I have recruited a couple of friends ( in return for beer ! ) and we will solve it. I have printed off all your posts and we will work through them all.

All will be revealed once we get to the bottom of it.
 
10 to 1 that there is no juice back at the socket.
Gentlemen, place your bets.
 
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