brake light problem

[targa911S]

seems my brake lights do not work when the headlights are on. They work fine when the headlights are off. What's up with that?

[Tobra]

That is pretty freaky. Maybe wrong bulbs, single instead of dual filament, maybe wiring is wrong. Did they used to work right and then stopped? I know headlight switch problems can do all sorts of weird stuff, so might be culprit too.

It is possible that somehow the car knows you are a musician, and it is messing with you. I know, probably not.

[targa911S]

Lol. Yeah maybe. I just bought this car and my son has it at his house until he delivers is next Saturday. He told me last night that the brake lights work until you turn the headlights on. I thought it a bit weird as well. I will know more next weekend when I have my hands on the car.

[Tobra]

Looks pretty clean.

Just imagine how that car would be messing with your head if you were a drummer.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The filaments in the light need a voltage across them to work. So if both connections are grounded, no light. Also, if both connections have +12V, there will also be no light.

I think you may have the latter case happening. The power and ground connections on the rear turn signal bucket may be swapped.

Jeff Bowlsby has a diagram for the connections on his website, 914/4 Tech Notebook . Check near the bottom of the page for the taillight diagram. Or use your favorite continuity tester to see which connections on the taillight go to which connections on the light bulb sockets.

--DD

[targa911S]

Thank you Dave. I will know more when it gets here

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Looks pretty clean.

Just imagine how that car would be messing with your head if you were a drummer.

Yeah it's super clean. I will be the 3rd owner since new. It was passed down in one family. No rust. Period. All docs including window sticker and delivery papers owners card and maintenance records through 2012 when it was put into storage. It has some mouse damage inside to the seats.

If I were a drummer it would belong to one of my 4 ex wives.

[targa911S]

Ok well its finally here. After checking things over today I have no rear turn signals, side marker, or brake lights. I have tail lights. I also have no back up lights. The front side marker and parking lights work and I have turn signals. One headlight is very weak. Any ideas?

[targa911S]

Fixed. Cleaned all the sockets, new bulbs and I have all lights but brakes. Pulled the foot board and the brake light switch was broken in half. Ordered a new one .....it all good.

[racer]

Well played!