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Interesting electrical issue


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SMPL17
Novice

Mar 24, 2008, 12:48 PM

Post #1 of 5 (1729 views)
post icon Interesting electrical issue Sign In

Ok, so I have had my 99 chevy monte carlo for a while. It is a 3.1 L and as most monte's it's had a fair share of engine repair (dam cheap gaskets!). Well to get more to the point this electrical problem has been going on for a while but has gotten progressively worse since last week. To begin the story about two years ago I got in a minor fender bender. The right turn signal casing was shattered and I had no turn light showing. The bulb shorted so it did not work a month later resulting in a faster turn signal in the back. I am not sure but a while later the hazard light function on my car was intermittent. Finally that went and about a month ago the turning signals stopped working outside and showing on the dash. I was a bit phased but had an idea of what needed replacing. A little less than a week ago my brake lights stopped working. That is except for the top brake light in the window of my car. The night normal lights that shine all the time still glow but without the illumination braking and that is 2 of 3 when I brake. I finally have some extra money to get this dam car fixed, 130000 miles in. What is it that might need to be replaced on a 99 monte carlo to get the back brake lights working again?


DrElectrics
Enthusiast
DrElectrics profile image

Mar 24, 2008, 3:59 PM

Post #2 of 5 (1720 views)
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OK, replace both rear bulbs in your car for starters, If you are getting light, but no extra illumination when the brake or turn signal is supposed to happen, it could be a bad filament. When you remove the bulbs; check the bulb holder, there will be 2 metal contacts in there, opposite each other. See if you can't push them together a little more, to make the hold tighter. If this doesn't work, try and pick up some new "flasher relays" they are cylindrical type relays that go under hood.

FYI, when your indicators flash fast, this means that you have a blown bulb on that side. The reason they do that is because instead of balanced power going to both globes, full power goes to one, making it work twice as fast. Hope this helps.


SMPL17
Novice

Apr 8, 2008, 7:09 AM

Post #3 of 5 (1675 views)
Re: Interesting electrical issue Sign In

Well for both filaments to go out at once is pretty rare but it is not definitely that. Its mainly the turn signal switch which is really stupid. Chevy thought it would be nice to route 2 of the brake wires through it. For the time being I jerry rigged a line from the one that works to the others so I do have brakes technically. That is till I replace the box which I don't have much of a clue how to get the steering wheel yet... Thanks though for the help and the tips.


SMPL17
Novice

Apr 8, 2008, 7:10 AM

Post #4 of 5 (1674 views)
Re: Interesting electrical issue Sign In

Any thoughts on how to accomplish taking the steering wheel off of a 99 monte carlo? I think I heard about needing to rent a special tool... though right off hand I do not remember what.


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Apr 8, 2008, 10:49 AM

Post #5 of 5 (1671 views)
Re: Interesting electrical issue Sign In

Here is one for the sister General Motors cars. Hope it helps you
Click here for information.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds






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