Brake Light Failure

[tvr si]

evening all,

people of PH, it seems i have another problem! i have no brake lights what-so-ever.

i've searched through previous brake light problems on the forum and still can't seem to resolve it.

here's what i've done so far.

checked fuse - it's fine
checked intermitent wipers - worked fine
removed, cleaned and replaced switch on brake pedal - still no brake lights
bypassed the switch on brake pedal and created a circuit with the spade connectors - lights still didn't work which i thought odd
went into boot and checked plugs to rear light cluster - all fine but still no brake lights

i tried accessing what i think is the inspection flap on the B panel but it didn't want to fully come off. i squeezed my hand between the flap, fumbled blindly and felt lots of wires so i'm assuming i've got the right hole? :eek:

i haven't checked bulbs as one of them is only a month old and it would be bizarre for them both to go at the same time.

a point to note - i don't currently have access to a multimeter

any suggestions greatfully received... such as get a multimeter!

cheers in advance.

tvr si - lost in innuendo heaven

[2 Smokin Barrels]

tvr si said:

evening all, i haven't checked bulbs as one of them is only a month old and it would be bizarre for them both to go at the same time.

It is a TVR remember! Personally I'd start by checking at least one of the bulbs....you never know!

(I assume you did your checks with the ignition on )

[2 Smokin Barrels]

...I'm now rushing into the garage to check whether ignition needs to be on for brake lights to work!

[tvr si]

i did remember the ignition, but only after nearly getting stuck in the footwell!

will get a couple of bulbs tomorrow, always useful to have a spare or two...

tvr si

[chassis 33]

Bulbs are the bain of the earth, always suspect them. I once had an Astra that if the brake pedal was pressed in you could take out the key from the ignition and the car would keep running. Spent 2 days ripping apart the car and loom looking for a chaffed wire or similar.

In the end it was the two filaments of the dual filament were touching and somehow shorting out the ignition circuit enough to supply power to the engines electrics.

Regards
Iain

[tvr si]

well,

although the bulb didn't appear to be dead i fitted a new bulb anyway, low and behold the brake lights sprang back into life. should have checked the bloody bulbs in the first place then.

lesson learnt, always check the obvious first!

thanks for the advice people,

tvr si

[2 Smokin Barrels]

tvr si said:

well, although the bulb didn't appear to be dead i fitted a new bulb anyway, low and behold the brake lights sprang back into life. should have checked the bloody bulbs in the first place then. lesson learnt, always check the obvious first! thanks for the advice people, tvr si