Need help troubleshooting brake lights

[Steve]

I went to a cruise Sat. night and someone told me that my brake lights weren't working, only my third brake light. The tail lights work correctly--runing lights work, blinkers work, and the third brake light comes on when the pedal is pushed but not the the normal brakes lights. I feel like the brake light swich on the brake pedal is ok cause the third brake light comes on and none of the bulbs appear to be out, so anyone have any ideas? Thanks Steve

 

[TURBOV6]

Originally posted by Steve
I The tail lights work correctly--runing lights work, blinkers work, and the third brake light comes on when the pedal is pushed but not the the normal brakes lights.

Bulbs!!!!!!!!!!

 

[salvageV6]

Never assume.

There are two sections to the brake light switch. White wire out of the switch runs the lights that don't work. The light blue wire with the black stripe runs the back lights.

Terminal A on the switch should have power when you press the brakes.

Problems with the turn-hazard switch assembly could do it too.

I'd cycle the hazard flasher switch a few times and see if that clears the problem

If not start with the brake switch and white wire.

Or it could be every bulb is out.

 

[TurboJim]

If I remember right, the reg brake lights and the 3rd one are on different switches. But my memory could be shot. Anyway, I doubt 4 bulbs burned out at the same time. LIke the above person said, try ****ing with the hazard switch. If you've rcently serviced anything in the steering volumn, make sure the turn signal harness pluh is fully seated.

 

[Roger]

Does the cruise control shut off when you hit the brakes?
As forementioned the brake light switch is a two pole switch & one side only activates the high brake light. The other side of the switch operates everything else.

 

[Turbo Brian]

At the bottom of the steering column, the turn signal switch connects into the body wiring harness with a harmonica connecter. The inner most wire (white wire) at this location makes a sharp bend and frequently pulls out of the connecter. That wire supplies power for the brake lights. This is a common G body problem.

 

[Steve]

Thanks for the replies...

Turbo Brian you are da man. I checked the harmonica connector and just as you said, the white wire was pulled out of the pin. I repaired it and the brake lights work like a champ! Thanks Steve