Third brake light out

rzepko6194 · rzepko6194's Garage

I just noticed that my third brake light on my 87' Targa is out. It's a low mounted inside type. The light itself checks out ok. When I press on the brake pedal my volt meter goes from 0 volts to an open circuit.

The other brake lights are working fine. How does this light connect to the others?

Any help would be appreciated.

}{arlequin · }{arlequin's Garage

bulb?

rzepko6194 · rzepko6194's Garage

Nope. I took the light fixture out and connected it the battery. Works fine.

}{arlequin · }{arlequin's Garage

from my experience of installing an aftermarket version, there are two wires, power and ground. When the ground was "iffy," it was acting up. I'm not sure how easy it is to trace OEM wiring but I would start there.

JR Indy · 04-30-2004, 05:49 AM

I had the same problem, found out it was an unplugged connector. There is a connector in the rear of the car on the drivers side near the relay assembly. I don't remember if it is two or three prong. I don't have a digital camera, or I'd take a couple pictures for you and post. There are a couple past posts that may have a better description of this.

RickM · RickM's Garage

This pic is from Matt (UTKarmann_Ghia). I belive shows the area to check for the connector. Is this the spot John?

How to: 3rd brake light install

rzepko6194 · rzepko6194's Garage

John, i just saw an unconnected 2 wire connector, in the vicinity of the relay assembly, while looking in the engine compartment the other day. I just assumed it was for some accessory my car didn't have. I'll check it out later today. Thanks!

JR Indy · 04-30-2004, 06:11 AM

JP, Sounds like you found it. If that doesn't work, let me know and I'll post a picture later today.

JR Indy · 05-01-2004, 06:20 PM

JP,

Did you get this fixed?

rzepko6194 · rzepko6194's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by JR Indy
JP,

Did you get this fixed?

Hi JR,

No, I found the correct plug and it was connected. I removed the rear shelf and checked the wiring to the third light. Everything is connected and looks ok. The strange thing is that when I press the brake pedal, the voltmeter goes from 0 volts to an open circuit. I assume this means that the connection to the master cylinder switch is good. According to the wiring diagrams the same wire, black/yellow stripe, feeds the tailights and also the third light. The other brake lights work fine. Strange.

Any thoughts?