Brake light Blues

[Bob S.]

I'm over due for my New York State safety inspection on a 1988 blazer 4x4 and made an appointment to have it done tomorrow morning. I had my daughter watch my taillights while I went through the routine of seeing that all of them work. "What the hell!" You say my brake lights don't work!!?

I'll be dammed if I let my local guy soak me for two $80-per hours of trouble shooting (not to mention parts and labor for a repair). I've got to give this repair a try myself!

My brake light bulbs are good. I checked out the brake pedal bracket switch, which is adjusted properly. The switch can be opened up to allow inspection of the contacts. Everything seems to be in order there.

The dealer told me that the brake lights run through the turn signal switch in the steering collum. Now a number of things about this turn signal switch are getting a bit funky. The high/low beam actuator is not as positive as it used to be, the turn signals rarely return to the neutral position after making a turn and and I just noticed that my previously working emergency flashers are now nonfunctional. Said turn signal lever has all the cruise control and window washing controls on it as well.

Does anyone have some fresh ideas about how to solve this problem and or how difficult it is to change the turn signal switch if that could, in fact, be the problem?

Love this vehicle but, it has its problems derived from old age and faithful service.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Rick Norwood]

First check the fuses. If that doesn't help, you may have an issue with the Multi-Function Switch in the steering column. I am not sure of your exact year and model, but you could be having a problem with this switch. My 2000 Jimmy SLE went bonkers when this switch went out. The Stealer said approx. half of the Chasis electrical system is funnelled through this switch. The Haynes manual doesn't describe the R&R on this switch, but I know it ain't cheap.

[Bob S.]

Rick,

Thank you very much for your advice. Its a real confidence builder. I could probably use a new turn signal switch. Maybe I can solve several problems at one time.

Bob S.

[BlazerLT]

I would swap in a new brake switch and if that is not the problem, return it.

[Rick Norwood]

You welcome Bob, I agree with BlazerLT, When My Jimmy went bad, I tried the swapping the brake switch first and it did not correct the problem, it turned out that both the Multifunction switch AND the Brake light switch were both bad. Try to find a good reputable garage to do this work if your not comfortable doing it yourself. Good luck

[Mikado14]

If you suspect the brake light switch, a simple and effective appoach is to short out the two wires and have your daughter watch in the back. If they light, your switch is bad. If they don't, look elsewhere. Of course as Rick said, it doesn't mean it is good but if you have a continuity tester, you can check the function of the switch. Also, some jobbers do not allow the return of electrical components so be careful or you will be stuck with it if you don't need it.

[riddick79]

there is a easy way to find out if it is the multi function control switch, first have someone look at the break lights, then push the hazered button about half way down and at the same time push the break pedal, if the lights come on it's your switch. a GM tech thought me that little trick cuase i had the same problem on my 95' blazer. i put a aftermarket part in and it went bad(lasted about 4-5months) if it is your switch get a OEM part. more money but it will last. hope this helps

[Bob S.]

Thanks for your help. I solved this problem. It was a fuse that was broken yet not burned.