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New to the Forum and needing HELP fixing brake lights.


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I need help/advice fixing the brake lights on my 1988 GL 4x4 Wagon. The brake lights quit working and I have checked the fuses. None are blown. I was told the problem maybe the "Brake Light Checker" that is supposedly located behind the panel covering the right rear tail light. This panel was removed and I did not see the switch. Am I looking in the correct place and just over looking the switch or is it located somewhere else on the car? I would greatly appreciate a response from anyone who has had this problem and had to replace this switch or has knowledge of where it is located on the car.

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Not sure of it's exact mounting location, but the "stop lamp checker" relay should be behind that panel on the PS.

 

I really don't think it would cause your brake lights not to work though. Check the switch on the brake pedal, one side of connector should have 12 volts at all times, other side goes "hot" when pedal is depressed.

 

Does the idicator for "stop lamp" come on on the dash when you step on the brake pedal, key must be in "on" position. It should if one light is out, not sure it would if both go out.

 

Are the turn signal, tail lights, and back-up lights working properly? If they are, it sorta rules out grounding issues. But, it still could be bad socket for brake lights.

 

Are the brake light bulbs good?

 

I found a diagram of how the "stop lamp checker" relay is wired, need to see if I can find it again....

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Thanks TomRhere. The turn signals and park lights are working properly. The bulbs are not blown. The brake light on the dash does not come on when the brakes are depressed. If you can find the wiring diagram again. I would appreciate a copy or if you can tell me where the stop light switch is located.

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Actually, I just discovered I have the same problem. I haven't looked into it yet, but I'm pretty sure the bulbs are good. 1st thing I thought about was the petal switch. Running lights work, I know that. No dash lights.

 

I'll poke around & see - I'll post what I find.

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Welcome to the forum. Hope you like it. We have some good helpful folks that use this site.

 

Check the brake switch near the pedal and see if you have voltage at that point. There should be voltage on one side of the switch while the pedal is not being stepped on. I think there will be voltage on both sides of the contacts when the pedal is pressed down. You could also try jumpering the switch with a clip lead to see if that makes the lights work. Don't confuse the brake switch with the cruise control switch if you have one.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I have searched behind the driver side and passenger side rear tail lights and cannot find the brake light checker. The switch at the brake pedal is working properly, but there is no power getting from the switch to the brake lights. Does anyone have a wiring diagram that shows EXACTLY where the brake light checker is located on the car so I do not have to dismantle it looking for it? I would greatly appreciate someone's help.

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Sorry for the delay on getting back but had to take care of some other things.

 

Looking at my manual it appears the brake lights checker module isn't really a concern if the middle hatch light is also not working. Power should be going directly to the middle lights after going through the brake switch. Please verify that voltage is going through the brake switch on the green/black wire when the pedal is pressed. If it is then check another point under the hood near the right wheel well area. There should be two 21 pin connectors with 3 rows of 7 pins each. Look at the black connector for the green/black wire. Make sure voltage is getting there. If you have voltage there also then you need to check the wiring in the rear area.

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