'91 Electrical (tail/brake lights)

[elh]

I've got a '91 Camry with a little electrical problem. Brake lights work fine until I turn on my headlights, and then the left rear light goes out when I brake. The bulb is fine, and for the life of me I can't decipher the electrical diagrams in my Haynes manual. I have absolutely no idea what the problem could be. Anyone know what could be wrong and where I should look? Or maybe direct me to a website that can help me figure out the electrical diagrams in the manual. Thanks a ton.

Erin

[fundybayman]

Erin, you have a simple ground problem caused by corrosion. Take out the bulb that isn't working and use a fine emery cloth or sandpaper to clean the contacts, you want the base of the bulb and the contact on the end to be shiny. If the socket looks at all dirty, clean it up too. Once you get the light working again, spray some electrical cleaner (WD-40 is great) around the bulb and socket area. Good Luck

[elh]

Thanks for the information. I'll check the connection, though when I was fooling around with it before, I'm pretty sure there was no corrosion and it was all kosher.

Beyond that, I'd still like to know where I can find some info on electrical diagrams; I can tackle trigonometry, renaissance literature, and behavioral psych, yet I don't understand a mass of moving metal parts? Too bad our school doesn't offer shop. I just want to know how it works!!! Thanks.

Erin

[Joe W]

You can test the ground by running a seprate ground wire from the suspect lamp.
A site with alot of info is www.autoshop101.com

[elh]

Thanks for the website, that helps a lot. But isn't it just amazing how when you fix one thing, another goes wrong? My driver's side automatic shoulder belt has stopped working; it is stuck in the forward position, as if the door were open. From what I've read, this is a fairly common problem with early '90s Camrys. The trouble is, it could be due to any number of things. Has anyone else had this problem? How'd you resolve it? I assume (however silly I might be) that the seat belt is an aspect of car that should be taken care of by the dealer regardless of warranty or whatnot...am I right? Any help with this would be MUCH appreciated. A testy tail light is annoying...a broken seat belt is dangerous. Thanks to anyone who can give me some advice!!!

[mnjh94]

It happens to me on 91, I pulled the s/b possition by turning the knob on the side door pillar to the back possition, It just happened to me not long ago, I took to the dealership, they said would cost me around 1k, there's a shortage in there somehow.