97 venture Brake light problem

[gyorba]

On my 97 venture the only brake light that is working is the middle one. I noticed that another van had the same problem while driving the other day and thought there might be a common problem that some one might have come accrost. If anyone has could you please let me know so i can fix this before i get a ticket. Thank you.

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, check the bulbs first, then check for 12v in the sockets and ground. Then check current in out out of the signal switch, this the most common cause. No quick fix ,the normal diagnostic procedure is in order here.

[shogunl]

Originally Posted by gyorba

On my 97 venture the only brake light that is working is the middle one. I noticed that another van had the same problem while driving the other day and thought there might be a common problem that some one might have come accrost. If anyone has could you please let me know so i can fix this before i get a ticket. Thank you.

Remove rear tail lights and then unsnap lens from the "Circuit Board"(That is where bulbs are mounted on to) remove the brake light bulbs and see if base where it contacts curcuit is melted. If so you are probably looking at new circuit boards they are very common problem. I got mine at wrecker for $100 CDN. Try to get 2002 or newer, Venture and Montanas use the same so it doesn't matter which one.

[maxwedge]

97 uses these circuit boards?, I could be wrong, but I don't think so.

['97ventureowner]

Yes, the 1997 Venture uses the circuit board in question, as both of my '97s had them. They are also called "boards" as a slang term probably because they resemble a board that the bulbs attach to. I know there is another term for them that GM uses but can't think of it at the moment.

[maxwedge]

Ok, my parts book just show a board with all the sockets, but my Trailblazer has them, with actual built in circuits.

[gyorba]

OK thank you for the advice. I will check the circuit boards first and then go from there.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Ok, my parts book just show a board with all the sockets, but my Trailblazer has them, with actual built in circuits.

It'd be nice if they were interchangeable with the Venture boards, then we'd have another possible source for used ones. If this were 30 years ago that might be a possibility .

[cjstew4]

Originally Posted by gyorba

On my 97 venture the only brake light that is working is the middle one. I noticed that another van had the same problem while driving the other day and thought there might be a common problem that some one might have come accrost. If anyone has could you please let me know so i can fix this before i get a ticket. Thank you.

You probably have the typical short in both or one of the supposed weatherproof plugs from the harness plug to the board at your rear tailight assemblies. Check out the black wire from the harness to the plug. On my '97 since this appeared burned/shorted on both plugs on both sides and the fuses were fine, I bypassed getting a new harness or board and labeled each wire from the harness, cut the plug off the harness, stripped and added a connector to each wire, cut around the mating board to its base exposing the 5 prongs. I cleaned themwith emory or sand paper (be careful with the very small prong/lead) and went ahead and slipped the connectors over each one and voila, taillights/break lights worked again. Gooped on clear silicone caulk, let dry overnight and you are done. My cost about $5. Or you can by replacement harnesses or boards, and weather proof with silicone once they work. Let us know which route you took.

[gyorba]

ok i found a sight you might want to check out. The entire replacment assembly ( including lenses ) are $47.21 and free shipping. http://replacement.autopartswarehous...sembly&dp=true That is the link. Hope this helps some others out there.

[nautiquesonly]

Originally Posted by gyorba

ok i found a sight you might want to check out. The entire replacment assembly ( including lenses ) are $47.21 and free shipping. http://replacement.autopartswarehous...sembly&dp=true That is the link. Hope this helps some others out there.

I have the same problem on 2002 venture. I click on your link and the page is blank. Can you tell me the part# from the website? Thanks.

[gyorba]

#11-5131-01 is the part # At the Auto parts wharehouse. Also you might try looking on...car-part.com...they list all the wrecking yards in every area and if they have your part listed...as well as the price and all. Hope this helps you out.

[nautiquesonly]

Originally Posted by gyorba

#11-5131-01 is the part # At the Auto parts wharehouse. Also you might try looking on...car-part.com...they list all the wrecking yards in every area and if they have your part listed...as well as the price and all. Hope this helps you out.

Thanks again. So when you purchase the tail light here the bulb holder comes with it as a pair? I dont seem to be able to locate just the bulb holder which is really only what I need. If this is the case and thats what they mean by assembly then I will order both rt and lft side for the $47 each. If you could let me know if this is what is included I would appreciate it. Thanks again.

[gyorba]

I am possitive that is what they mean by assembly. However i went to the other sight and found them for $25 a peice.

[nautiquesonly]

Originally Posted by gyorba

I am possitive that is what they mean by assembly. However i went to the other sight and found them for $25 a peice.

Yeah I find the assembly for as little as $22. However, I dont seem to find a site with them giving good detail on what is included. When yours came from Car-part for $25 did it include the tail light bulb holder and the lens? Thanks.