Kind gentlemen...need help on shocking issue>> - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

ZR1Vette · 07-06-2009

Well not so shocking which is somewhat the point. The center brake light has stopped functioning and this is the diagnostic so far:
-disconnected the plug under the halo trim (the was a PIA to do...have to remove the drivers side interior halo trim piece to get to plug) and sent 12v to light unit and it lit up...so the center light itself is functioning
-place a DC volt meter on the wire leading to light fixture plug...stepped on brakes and no current

Conclusion... (1) open line in wiring from ???? to light (2) wire is connected somewhere to work with rear brake lights and connector is loose or (3) ???

Anyone know where the wiring for the center brake light goes to in the dash?
Assume there is not separate fuse for center brake light (could not see such in the fuse panel on the passenger side dash end)??? Any thoughts on what or where else to trouble shoot??

Of course would totally appreciate any assistance

gbrtng · 07-06-2009

I think there is a separate brake pedal switch for those lights. I don't have a 90 FSM so maybe someone else can jump in ...

Jagdpanzer · 07-06-2009

Does it work with the hazard flasher?

LT5-Lee · 07-06-2009

There is definitely a separate 3rd brake light switch, I had to replace mine. I bought one at the local auto parts store. I thought at first it was threaded in, but thank goodness it is just a matter of disconnecting the pig tail and either using a small hook tool to pry open one of the stamped shaped retaining fingers or just giving it a good yank and pulling it out. To install, hold the brake pedal up against it's rest and pushing the new unit in until it rests against the brake pedal.

07-06-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT5-Lee

There is definitely a separate 3rd brake light switch, I had to replace mine. I bought one at the local auto parts store. I thought at first it was threaded in, but thank goodness it is just a matter of disconnecting the pig tail and either using a small hook tool to pry open one of the stamped shaped retaining fingers or just giving it a good yank and pulling it out. To install, hold the brake pedal up against it's rest and pushing the new unit in until it rests against the brake pedal.

3? Should be 2. One for the cruise disengagement and the second for the brake lamp function. Then there is a third one, but it is mounted on the clutch pedal fro cruise disengagement.

There will be three wires in the switch.

Orange power
White which leads to the lower 4 brake lamps
Light Blue which leads to the CHMSL

The wire will follow the body harness. Check for breaks in the circuit at the pedal and the bulb. And go from there.

ZR1Vette · 07-07-2009

Thanks for the info...will check out the switch etc today. Phil...everything works (including emergency flasher) EXCEPT the center brake light.

ZR1Vette · 07-07-2009

Alas, no fix. Will be taking ZR to a specialist and let him work it out. First glitch I could not resolve... oh well

Aurora40 · 07-07-2009

How did you verify it wasn't the problem? Did you get a new switch? If so, did you replace the correct one?

The switch causing the 3rd light not to light is extremely common from what I can tell (had to do it on my car when I got it). There aren't really any other moving parts, except maybe the wiring through the hatch.

Sgreg · 07-07-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZR1Vette

Well not so shocking which is somewhat the point. The center brake light has stopped functioning and this is the diagnostic so far:
-disconnected the plug under the halo trim (the was a PIA to do...have to remove the drivers side interior halo trim piece to get to plug) and sent 12v to light unit and it lit up...so the center light itself is functioning
-place a DC volt meter on the wire leading to light fixture plug...stepped on brakes and no current

Conclusion... (1) open line in wiring from ???? to light (2) wire is connected somewhere to work with rear brake lights and connector is loose or (3) ???

Anyone know where the wiring for the center brake light goes to in the dash?
Assume there is not separate fuse for center brake light (could not see such in the fuse panel on the passenger side dash end)??? Any thoughts on what or where else to trouble shoot??

Of course would totally appreciate any assistance

Brake light switch needs to be replaced. A little tough to get to under the hush cover, drivers side.. Part is about $15. Good luck.

Z51JEFF · 07-07-2009

Mind was dead and turned out to be the switch,pretty common from what I hear.

07-06-2009	#1
ZR1Vette Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Reston, Virginia Posts: 939	Kind gentlemen...need help on shocking issue>> Well not so shocking which is somewhat the point. The center brake light has stopped functioning and this is the diagnostic so far: -disconnected the plug under the halo trim (the was a PIA to do...have to remove the drivers side interior halo trim piece to get to plug) and sent 12v to light unit and it lit up...so the center light itself is functioning -place a DC volt meter on the wire leading to light fixture plug...stepped on brakes and no current Conclusion... (1) open line in wiring from ???? to light (2) wire is connected somewhere to work with rear brake lights and connector is loose or (3) ??? Anyone know where the wiring for the center brake light goes to in the dash? Assume there is not separate fuse for center brake light (could not see such in the fuse panel on the passenger side dash end)??? Any thoughts on what or where else to trouble shoot?? Of course would totally appreciate any assistance __________________ Michael :cheers: [I][SIZE="2"]1990 RED on RED #566[/SIZE][/I] [I][SIZE="2"]WAZOO MEMBER[/I][/SIZE]

07-06-2009	#2
gbrtng Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Antonio area Posts: 1,179	Re: Kind gentlemen...need help on shocking issue>> I think there is a separate brake pedal switch for those lights. I don't have a 90 FSM so maybe someone else can jump in ... __________________ “Buy the best example of what you want, and pay whatever it takes. That way, you cry only once.” ~ Bruce Meyer

07-06-2009	#3
Jagdpanzer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,661	Re: Kind gentlemen...need help on shocking issue>> Does it work with the hazard flasher?

07-06-2009	#4
LT5-Lee Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 57	Re: Kind gentlemen...need help on shocking issue>> There is definitely a separate 3rd brake light switch, I had to replace mine. I bought one at the local auto parts store. I thought at first it was threaded in, but thank goodness it is just a matter of disconnecting the pig tail and either using a small hook tool to pry open one of the stamped shaped retaining fingers or just giving it a good yank and pulling it out. To install, hold the brake pedal up against it's rest and pushing the new unit in until it rests against the brake pedal. __________________ An Unarmed Citizen is a Future Peasant. Something BLOWbama & Hilary are trying to accomplish now at the UN with the "Global Small Arms Treaty"

07-07-2009	#6
ZR1Vette Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Reston, Virginia Posts: 939	Re: Kind gentlemen...need help on shocking issue>> Thanks for the info...will check out the switch etc today. Phil...everything works (including emergency flasher) EXCEPT the center brake light. __________________ Michael :cheers: [I][SIZE="2"]1990 RED on RED #566[/SIZE][/I] [I][SIZE="2"]WAZOO MEMBER[/I][/SIZE]

07-07-2009	#8
Aurora40 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 2,713	Re: Kind gentlemen...need help on shocking issue>> How did you verify it wasn't the problem? Did you get a new switch? If so, did you replace the correct one? The switch causing the 3rd light not to light is extremely common from what I can tell (had to do it on my car when I got it). There aren't really any other moving parts, except maybe the wiring through the hatch. __________________ Bob Saveland Former owner of #2517 [IMG]http://a.random-image.net/aurora40/vette.jpg[/img]

07-07-2009	#10
Z51JEFF Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fremont,Ca Posts: 3,079	Re: Kind gentlemen...need help on shocking issue>> Mind was dead and turned out to be the switch,pretty common from what I hear.