DBM Re: Brake lights

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Sep 20, 2001 | 05:48 PM

24KP-I-M-P

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Posts: 519

DBM Re: Brake lights

Quote:

Re: DBM,any one that can help.. brake light fuse

Quoted Message:
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Originally posted by 24KP-I-M-P
yesterday my brake lights suddenly stopped working. I took it to the shop and they tried to replace the fuse but it blew out again. All the rear lights work but when the brake is pressed the brake lights do not come on.Neither does the spoiler light. I have a 96 maxima se with 132 000 km's
thanks in advance
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A blown fuse is a sign of a current overload, probably a short circuit.

Remove the taillight bulbs. Inspect the sockets for signs of damage (melted plastic, scorched appearance, etc.). Repair as required. Inspect the base of the bulbs. If the solder contacts on the base are "smooshed" replace the bulb. If the fuse still blows, disconnect the spoiler stop light. If the fuse now doesn't blow, you have localized the problem.
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i went down and checked all the lights no melted plastic etc.. i unplugged the spoiler light and still no luck. Then the far rear light stopped working when the regular lights are on.When i use the key fob and lock it the light still blinks so its not the bulb. do you think the short circut is originating from that spot?

Sep 20, 2001 | 05:52 PM

njmaxseltd

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Try this - Remove all the bulbs, turn on the lights, step on the brake pedal. If you don't blow a fuse then somewhere a bulb is in a socket wrong. Or the wrong style bulb is in one of your sockets. Anyhow, testing your car without the bulbs in it will show if indeed you have a short someplace. If you don't blow a fuse, you have no short. Pretty simple!

Good luck !

Sep 20, 2001 | 05:57 PM

24KP-I-M-P

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Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 519

Quote:

Originally posted by njmaxseltd
Try this - Remove all the bulbs, turn on the lights, step on the brake pedal. If you don't blow a fuse then somewhere a bulb is in a socket wrong. Or the wrong style bulb is in one of your sockets. Anyhow, testing your car without the bulbs in it will show if indeed you have a short someplace. If you don't blow a fuse, you have no short. Pretty simple!

Good luck !

should i disconnect the light sockets and spoiler when i do this? or just take out the light bulbs only

Sep 20, 2001 | 06:18 PM

24KP-I-M-P

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Senior Member

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Posts: 519

Quote:

Originally posted by 24KP-I-M-P

should i disconnect the light sockets and spoiler when i do this? or just take out the light bulbs only

and my car has 82020.997344 miles if it helps any

Sep 20, 2001 | 07:21 PM

Daniel B. Martin

Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 4,601

Quote:

Originally posted by 24KP-I-M-P

should i disconnect the light sockets and spoiler when i do this? or just take out the light bulbs only

Njmaxseltd has put you on the right track. The idea is to identify the part of the taillight circuit which has the short by a process of successive connection. That will reduce the amount of wire you must examine visually.

Start by disconnecting the spoiler and all the harness connections to the taillights. Step on the brake pedal. If the fuse survives, connect each of the disconnected taillights, one at a time, stepping on the brakes after each connection. As soon as the fuse blows, the last-connected load is the one with a problem.