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1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem


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Brenda Holland
Novice

Oct 15, 2006, 3:03 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1721 views)
post icon 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

I own a 1993 Pontiac Grand Am SE. No brake lights or signals. Replaced the brake switch. Have current going to the 2 prongs in the front small box on the switch but not the back 4 prongs located in the larger box..and after replacing it, lights and signals still don't work. Any ideas or help will be appreciated. part number is sls146 if that helps. Replaced the bulbs in the back..they all work...what else can be wrong????


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Oct 16, 2006, 4:43 AM

Post #2 of 9 (1715 views)
Re: 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

Do the front signals work?
Do the hazards work?
Do you hear the flasher unit for the turn signals clicking when you turn the signals on with the ignition in the run position?
Have you checked the brake/hazards and the turn signal fuses; you’ll find both in the dash fuse panel they are 20 amp fuses.
The brake light switch has a few different functions but the only two wires you’re going to be concerned with for the brake lights are the orange and light blue wires.
The orange wire at the brake light switch should have power at all times, the Lt blue only while the brake pedal is applied.
This Lt blue wire also slices off and goes in different directions after the brake switch but again you’re only concerned that this power on the Lt blue wire is getting to the turn signal switch. You’ll find the connector for the turn signal switch at the base of the column tube just behind the dash board; it’ll be a flat connector about four inches long; likely clipped to the column tube. Make sure that the power on the LT blue wire gets too and through the connector.
While you’re at the signal connector, check that there is power at the purple wire with the ignition in the run position. If the flasher unit does click with the turn signal in either left or right turn position you should have pulsing power (flashing test light). With the turn signals off and the ignition on you should have constant power.
What I’m getting to is if you have these feeds from the purple and Lt blue going into the turn signal switch and nothing on the yellow (left turn/stop) or the Dr green (right turn/stop) leaving the switch then you have a bad turn signal switch. You’ll also find the yellow and green wires at the turn signal switch connector and at the back of the car at the light sockets.
Check for power on these wires using a test light connected to a known good ground.
Tell us what you find.
Dan.



Canadian "EH"






(This post was edited by DanD on Oct 16, 2006, 4:46 AM)


Brenda Holland
Novice

Oct 16, 2006, 4:26 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1710 views)
post icon Re: 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

WOW!!! You are thorough!!! I can't wait to show my neighbor (the one doing the work) this tomorrow!!! This is more than I could have asked for. Thank you so much and I will let you know what happens..He may not get to this until this weekend! I'm astonished!!!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 16, 2006, 5:54 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1701 views)
Re: 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

Brenda,

Dan is the diamond of the web with cars. I just hope if I'm near his shop and broken down in my own car I can find him.

This site has the most (I'm at a few) honest folks to help you and the least pests that invade sites which is why there are moderators, and the nicest guests or folks looking for info or products which are here, T and cat!



Brenda Holland
Novice

Oct 16, 2006, 5:56 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1700 views)
post icon Re: 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

I did not know that until now! I'll keep this place bookmarked forever!!! You people are the best! And I'll be back with an update too! Thanks again so much! I'm impressed and that takes lot! lol..have a great night!


Brenda Holland
Novice

Oct 16, 2006, 6:05 PM

Post #6 of 9 (1698 views)
Re: 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

Another question: Do you already have instructions written up to change the switch that is located in the steering column? Does the steering wheel have to come off? Or can this be done in a better manner? Do you have a diagram for that? I want to be all ready for Saturday when he does this..IF he has to after looking at the other list you sent.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 17, 2006, 10:10 AM

Post #7 of 9 (1692 views)
Re: 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

Hi again,

There is a company that will give you a free demo called AllData.com which should be a complete repair book for your car but does cost about $25. Isn't worth it if you are not going to do the work.

REMEMBER!! Messing with the steering column is messing with wiring to the air bag and all caution should be taken and the words of the day are............

WHEN IN DOUBT WITH THAT STUFF - DON'T

T



DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Oct 17, 2006, 12:31 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1691 views)
Re: 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

If it turns out to be the switch then yes you will have to pull the steering wheel to get at a couple of bolts that hold the column covers on. When I went and looked at the manual on how to do this job; I realized that this is a newer style of column and it won’t have that flat connector at the base of the column just the wiring harness itself. I was going by the wiring diagram when I explained the wire coloring. (Sorry) Test it the same way; just probe the wires them selves with the test light.
And as Tom has said; if this car has an air bag take a few minutes and learn how to disarm it or take the car in somewhere and have the switch replaced by someone who does know. If you accidentally light off the bag (which is easy to do) and it hits you, you won’t know what happened until they tell you in the hospital. Yes they are that dangerous if not handled properly!
You’ll also need a steering wheel puller to get the wheel off of the steering shaft. On some of the older column’s you could get away with hitting the steering shaft to pop the wheel off. Don’t do that on this column there are a bunch of plastic rivets in there that will either break or become loose.
The cost of buying a puller (that you’ll likely only use this one time) may make taking the car in and having the job done for you a little less painful.
Dan.





Canadian "EH"






Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 17, 2006, 12:57 PM

Post #9 of 9 (1687 views)
Re: 1993 Pontiac G.A. SE Brake and signal light problem Sign In

You made a point there Dan about the air bag. I think or thought all cars sold in the US or Canada required a driver's side air bag in model year 1993. Not sure now as that was close to the time -- anybody know? TIA, T







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