'98 Lumina Brake Lights

[cmiller4202001]

I purchased my 98 Lumina used and have not had a problem until now. My brake lights do not work, I checked the bulbs and they are fine. Looking in the fuse box next, I noticed the fuse that was for my brake lights had a red wire running into it. There was another wire running into another of the fuses. What the heck are those wires doing there? The fuses were fine, and I can't figure out what the porb. is. I'm not very knowlegeable about cars, so I need HELP! because I would like to be at least a little informed before I get hosed by a mechanic. PLEASE HELP!!!

[MarkNYC]

If your lower brake lights do not work, but the high-mounted one does, it may be your multi-function switch. That part is in the steering column and cost about $200 to repair. I had to replace one at about 30,000 miles.

[jeffcw]

I had the same problem on my '98 Lumina, and I've read a ton of threads about this. So I'm posting to let you know there's a cheaper solution than a new turn signal switch:

Being an electrical engineering college student, I knew there was an easy and inexpensive fix for this. I've designed a circuit which corrects the worn switch behavior.

Installation takes about 15 minutes - cut 3 wires (brake signal and turn signal wires) and insert them into the screw terminals on the circuit board. The board (about 1.5" x 2.5" x 0.75") rests near the base of the steering column, hidden by the panel.

If anyone else is interested in this fix, let me know. I'll sell a built and tested circuit board, along with installation instructions and pictures, for $30. Email me at jcward @ mines . edu (remove the spaces)

Cheers,
-Jeff

[jeffcw]

Update:

I've set up a website detailing my circuit board, installation instructions, and lots of other info. Check it out, at:

http://www.familyhomepage.net/lumina/brake_lights.htm

Note that this is my home server, so it may be a touch slow. Let me know if you have trouble with it.

Thanks,
-Jeff

[jeffcoslacker]

"The General" might send a couple of goons to your house to break your legs, if you keep muscling in on their "build a crappy component and then charge a fortune to fix it" racket. LOL! Cool fix! If I have that problem, I'll be ordering one.

[whisperingelk]

Originally Posted by jeffcw

I had the same problem on my '98 Lumina, and I've read a ton of threads about this. So I'm posting to let you know there's a cheaper solution than a new turn signal switch:

Being an electrical engineering college student, I knew there was an easy and inexpensive fix for this. I've designed a circuit which corrects the worn switch behavior.

Installation takes about 15 minutes - cut 3 wires (brake signal and turn signal wires) and insert them into the screw terminals on the circuit board. The board (about 1.5" x 2.5" x 0.75") rests near the base of the steering column, hidden by the panel.

If anyone else is interested in this fix, let me know. I'll sell a built and tested circuit board, along with installation instructions and pictures, for $30. Email me at jcward @ mines . edu (remove the spaces)

Cheers,
-Jeff

put this way,dad finally retired from general motors,ithis year 2005 tell him him what cars came through that he already DIDN'Twant you tell him who is wrong!!!