Electrical, CHMBL works all other brake lamps do not

STEVE WITH CAPRICE

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE
260,000 MILES

Electrical, the centre high mounted brake lamp works ok, the lower corner brake lamps do not light (likewise when trailer is attached), the following all light ok: the 4 way flashers, left and right turn signals, all tail and marker lamps work ok, reading through these posts suspect the multifunction switch or the turn signal switch EXCEPT with the CHMBL working? How to identify these switches: multifunction, turn signal.

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,870 POSTS

The turn signal switch IS the multifunction switch. The center brake light circuit comes right from the brake light switch, but the side brake light circuits go through the signal switch so it can break the connection to the brake light switch and connect it to the signal flasher. Assuming your brake light and signal light are one and the same bulb, your observation that the signals work would prove the wiring to the bulbs is okay. That just leaves the signal switch and the terminal in the connector. Before you replace the switch, check the terminals to be sure none are black from being overheated, and the connector body isn't melted.

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Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013 AT 9:35 PM

STEVE WITH CAPRICE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ok thank you caradiodoc!
To clarify: for the Caprice ( and perhaps most American vehicles) the location of the turn signal switch ( multifunction switch) is in the steering column - in other words the turn signal lever (includes the cruise, windshield wiper functions, high beam) is part of and /or connected (by way of the lever) to the turn signal switch (multifunction switch). To access this switch please confirm the steering wheel must be removed.

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Thursday, July 25th, 2013 AT 8:55 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,870 POSTS

I never did one on your car model but by the early '90s most multifunction switches were held on with two or three screws on the side of the column and it wasn't necessary to remove the steering wheel. Most require removal of a few screws from the bottom to separate the two halves of the steering column cover.

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Thursday, July 25th, 2013 AT 1:36 PM