Planning a trip along Pacific Coast Highway, starting tomorrow. Was.
Washed, detailed the ‘97 , removed dash mat & cleaned up nasty adhesive.
BUT(& I do NOT like big BUTS)……”.rear bulb light failure” pops up when I apply brakes. Brake lights work when I turn on headlights, but driver’s side brake light doe not work when headlights are OFF.
I can drive with headlights on of course, fixing is better. Brittle wiring? Also don’t have the plastic cover for those wires (in boot).

 

Standard answer is to repair the circuit board all those bulbs fit into. Longer answer is that the circuit board is unable to carry all the necessary current and eventually "burns out". It is a common problem, normally fixed by installing/soldering suitable shunt wires I believe.

 

ahhhh…circuit board…figures. Thank you! I prefer to have some info to present when I take car in. My late mom had all the tech ability to do circuit boards, but I am lacking. Is the repair time/cost lengthy?

 

I've done it. Instructions:

Take the light assembly out. Pick a place of bare metal on the circuit board. Drill a hole the size of a rivet (or nut and bolt, rivet preferred). Use a dremel or file to make area around the hole shiny.

Grab an crimp on O-connector. A foot or so of 16 guage speaker wire. Crimp small o-ring on one end large O ring on other. If you've got a soldering iron solder the connection as well.

See the bolts protruding through the body into the trunk by the lights? Pick one. Unscrew it, make the surface under it shine (bare metal = good connection).

River the small o ring to the circuit board. Bolt the large o ring under the nut.
Replace light assembly.

Why didn't you solder the wire to the circuit board? Unlikely you have a big enough soldering iron + it'd be overkill.

John

 

great instructions!! I don’t have the hands for it, but nephew has, and he has the o rings.
a beer, a glass of wine, a cocktail to any of you who are in my neighborhood!

 

okie dokie… had to add to this strange tale; no more “rear bulb failure” light. Had not done a thing.
I suppose it’s foolish to even think for a moment that this fixed itself? But now have 16gauge speaker wire.
As of this afternoon, Carmel(Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Nepenthe’s for lunch) is on for tomorrow/Thursday.

 

Please enjoy the ride for all of ice bound owners. I loved the year I spent in Santa Monica & Venice in 1980.

Had my e type then and spent many weekends driving on the PCH.




Z

 

So adorable! And that e-type is crazy! OMG, when I was 17, I lusted after a ‘67 XKE, convertible, powder blue.
plenty of pictures will follow.

 

When I was 18 I bought a '67 FHC that needed a little work. I was the coolest (not really) post HS grad in my area. Loved that car. TM

 

hello hello…beautiful day on California Hwy 1 yesterday. BIG drive. Smooth as silk.

Yesterday, Hwy 1

Yesterday Hwy 1