2000FormulaMan

iTrader: (1)

Hey Everyone,

I noticed my 3rd brake light was out, so I bought new bulbs and put them both in, (I noticed both the old bulbs were burnt out). But once I installed the new bulbs, it still doesn't light up.

Is there a way to check to see if I'm getting any power there? Do I have to replace the entire wiring harness? Is there possibly a fuse I should check? Are there any write ups or ideas how to test/fix this?

Thanks!

SoWazIt2You

iTrader: (1)

Put a brick on your brake to hold it down than hit it up with a voltmeter see if your getting power. You might be able to pull the parking brake but not entirely sure if that would trip the 3rd brake light.

SoWazIt2You

iTrader: (1)

It doesn't just ran out to check so try a brick or something to apply pressure on the brakes.

2000FormulaMan

iTrader: (1)

I tried putting a weight on the brake, the lights still don't light up, and I know the bulbs are good.

I'll try check it with a voltmeter.

Any other ideas/solutions? Is it easy to replace the wiring harness?

Thanks!

- 024mula -

I'd check all the fuses before start messing around with the wiring.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Is it just your third brake light, or all of your brake lights? What type of bulb did you put back in?

2000FormulaMan

iTrader: (1)

I checked the fuses, they are all working fine.

All the other lights work fine. Just the 3rd brake light is completely out.

I installed the basic bulbs, got them from autozone, they seem to be the correct ones fitting perfectly in the socket.

Do you think replacing the wiring harness will do the trick?

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Were they the 921 bulbs? Replacing the wiring harness will not solve anything - It depends on where the problem is.

If you replaced burned out bulbs with new bulbs, it should work unless you put in the wrong bulbs. Generally, you won't have a wire give out at the same time as bulbs burn out unless... you got in an accident?

2000FormulaMan

iTrader: (1)

Ok guys,

I checked my old bulbs and it looks like they didn't burn out. It jsut has some over_spray on them that looks like they did.

I did replace them with the 921 bulbs anyways.

So basically, it looks like the 3rd Brake light just stopped working.

What should be the next step?

I'll try using a voltmeter to see if there is any power going through the harness.

If not, I guess I'll try replace that.

Any other ideas? Please help.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

First, test the sockets for voltage. Next, check the harness connection at the top of the hatch. (I believe its just inside the car. That will tell you if the issue is in the hatch harness or further up the chain.

2000FormulaMan

iTrader: (1)

I'll check the sockets for voltage.

Quick question on that. To test it, do I have to have the break compressed down,...or could the lights just be on when I check the socket.

Basically, is power only running through the socket when the brake is compressed?

Thanks!

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Yes, you have to press the brake pedal far power to flow to the sockets.