Brake Lights, Completely Stumped?!

[festyxfi]

Group,

I'm buttoning up an 88 festy, but for the life of me CAN NOT find the problem with the brake lights. I competely removed the carpet, traced the wiring from under the dash to the lights themselves (this car has no rust or water leakage) I found the wires to visually be in like new condition. I replaced the pedal sensor (twice!!) and of course several different bulbs. The running lights work fine, but those darn brake lights have me stumped.

Can anyone give me a idea where to look next? It's the last thing and I'm done and ready to sell this one.

Thanks,
Brenton (FX)

[JoDan]

Lol I did the same thing with my brake lights 2 days ago... I took my 3rd light apart and found that the positive connection to the light bulb broke off (guessing because of slamming the hatch) and was grounding out... so I guess check that out if you don't find anything

[mechanicaldj]

an 88 does not have a third brake light

[JoDan]

Well then... I was never here..:hiding:

[FB71]

an 88 does not have a third brake light

yes it does. CHMSL (Center High Mount Stop Lamp) became mandatory on vehicles under 5000lbGVW in 1986. Remember Uncle Fester had a 3rd lamp...

[FB71]

I'm guessing you've already checked the 15A STOP fuse?

[festyxfi]

FB,

Yeap, checked all the fuses (just in case something strange was going on in there) I haven't checked the third brake light though, and will...yes, they got em, I'm looking at two right now...

Thanks, and any other ideas, please send my way.

Brenton

[FB71]

its a simple circuit, not too much to go wrong. Do you have a meter or test light? At the stop lamp switch on the pedal, the grn/wht wire should have power all the time, and the grn/red wire should have power when the pedal is depressed. The grn/red wire runs back to each stop lamp. Don't forget to check your grounds. The two ground lugs directly under the liftgate latch is the ground for both rear lamps and the center lamp. Check those for damage/corrosion.

[festyxfi]

I'm on it FB...thanks!

[Hot_Wheels]

make sure you got the right bulbs

[festyxfi]

HW's as in the dual filiment type?

[resuwrecked]

The 15a stop fuse also has the horn relay on its circuit. If its a problem with power before the brake switch on the pedal then the horn will also be dead.

[festyxfi]

Good thiinking, I'll check. If the horm IS dead, from where to where to look for issues?

[resuwrecked]

Check the fuse, and wiring before the fuse. I'm not sure what color it is, I dont have my wiring diagrams with me (I should have a copy to keep w/ my computer to be more useful to the forums lol). I do know it should always have power regardless of what position the key is in.