98 Lumina Braklights in-op

[DAKOTAC47]

I have a 98 Lumina sedan with no brake lights, the center brakelight ithat shows through the rear window does wrok ( seprate circuit ).

I put in new blubs, and switch at the brake pedal. The tailights and turn signal works. The mini fuse located in side the car is good and so is the wring that goes from the switch to the rear of the car.

I think maybe the multi switch in the steering co;lum, I hope not.
Thease are the Stats on the car:
Year, make and model - 98 Lumina sedan
Engine size - 3.1
Manual or automatic transmission - automatic
Mileage - 120,000
Carb or Fuel Injection - injected
ABS brakes - No
P/S - A/C - Cruise control - yes

Any help would be appreciated.
David B. [email protected]

[jeffcoslacker]

Yeah, there is a damn module that's kinda costly that operates the main brake lights, that's probably your problem (typical).

Someone here will give you more detail, I never had to replace one.

[DAKOTAC47]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

Yeah, there is a damn module that's kinda costly that operates the main brake lights, that's probably your problem (typical).

Someone here will give you more detail, I never had to replace one.

Yep - you are right, the mechanics of the replace are no biggie but, the charge that sets the air bag off has me concerned.

Will do a lot more reading on thew procedures, Thanks for the info any ideas that come accross are appreceated.
DAKOTAC47

[cadgear]

As long as you don't do anything dumb, like run around in socks on carpet or take live current to the bag, or play dodgeball with the module...you should be all right to replace it. If you're not comfy with it, then don't do it...but there's nothing to be scared of. Cautious, yes.

[jeffcoslacker]

There was a guy on here a while back that built a circuit board to replace that module, said he'd build you one for $30 or so I think, it was some time ago, though.

[richtazz]

Sometimes you can clean the contacts and it will work fine again. The factory gets a little crazy with the grease, and it gets in everything, sometimes to the point of causing the column to smoke. There are two different switches, one for cars with steering wheel audio controls(delco #D6214A), and one for those without (delco #D6226A). Make sure you get the right one for your application.

[occupant]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Sometimes you can clean the contacts and it will work fine again. The factory gets a little crazy with the grease, and it gets in everything, sometimes to the point of causing the column to smoke. There are two different switches, one for cars with steering wheel audio controls(delco #D6214A), and one for those without (delco #D6226A). Make sure you get the right one for your application.

My parents had a 1995 Century that would do that. You'd put on the turn signal, hit the brakes, and this little plume of smoke would rise from the column and dance around. I test drove a 1992 Lumina last week that had a smoking column. Just bought a black 1997 and a maroon 1998, both had only the CHMSL working for brake lights and both of them smoked on the test drive, too. Glad they were cheap ($700 and $1600) but I am *NOT* looking forward to doing these jobs...

[richtazz]

It's actually not that bad. Removing the steering wheel is the biggest issue, especially in the newer model with an air bag. If you're using a Haynes manual, they forget to tell you to remove the small bolt in the center of the junction where the switch hooks to the car harness. Without removing the center bolt, you cant get the switch out (after separating the 2 halves, it slides out toward where they joined together, not toward the outside). The first time I did one of these, I learned lots of new words, luckily, I don't live near a church!!! Gotta love aftermarket repair manuals. Be careful working around airbags, as static electricity can cause them to deploy, and that hurts!

[tblake]

remember to disconnect the negative battery terminal before you start your repair especially working with airbags.

[occupant]

On further inspection I think my switch has already been replaced. The smoke was from my wife's cigarette. But hers needs changed, since it won't let the brake lights come on when signaling for a left turn. If the brakes are applied before the left turn signal is activated, the brake lights stay on. If the turn signal is used first, they won't come on.