PDA

View Full Version : Electrical Rear Brake Lights


alexwolf1216
06-28-2014, 02:37 PM
So, my car failed inspection today. The brake lights work, but only if the headlights arent on. When the headlights are on, nothing comes out of the rear, lights or brakes. Is this indicative of bad circuit boards or something else? Any ideas on where to start? I have a relay update kit, but just waiting on instructions from Josh at DPI to get it installed. Could this be a culprit?
DMCMW Dave
06-28-2014, 02:47 PM
So, my car failed inspection today. The brake lights work, but only if the headlights arent on. When the headlights are on, nothing comes out of the rear, lights or brakes. Is this indicative of bad circuit boards or something else? Any ideas on where to start? I have a relay update kit, but just waiting on instructions from Josh at DPI to get it installed. Could this be a culprit?

Fix or replace the tail light boards.
alexwolf1216
06-28-2014, 02:49 PM
Got your email, didnt think you would answer on Saturday. You rock, thanks.
NightFlyer
06-28-2014, 02:58 PM
Also might be worth checking the connection between the boards and the connector/plug - make sure all the pins in the connector/plug are firmly in the plastic housing and not backing off. Also hit the traces on the boards with some contact cleaner and make sure the traces/pins are clean (making sure that oxidation/corrosion isn't causing the trace contacts to interfere with each other).
alexwolf1216
06-29-2014, 12:14 AM
Went to Radio Shack and managed to find the part numbers listed from a 1995 DMC ML post that Dave shared. Got some contact cleaner, pulled the boards, added the screws and we are in business. Super easy fix, works like a champ. Thanks guys!
DMCMW Dave
06-29-2014, 10:30 AM
I can't believe radio shack still sells those screws.


Sent from phone
DeLorean03
06-29-2014, 10:37 AM
#4-40 screws can be picked up at Lowe's too. Used them to fix a local owner's taillights earlier this year. 1.25" length is more than enough.

Just sharing in case someone doesn't have a Radio Shack around.
alexwolf1216
06-29-2014, 10:39 AM
I can't believe radio shack still sells those screws.


Sent from phone

I couldnt either....I literally started laughing when she opened the drawer and the same part numbers were sitting there.