Date:         Sun, 25 Dec 2005 15:19:33 -0800
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Finding and Accessing the Brake Light Switch
Comments: To: Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <11dcddf80512251436w432cfb26j484c7332bccf7cec@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Where exactly are you putting each of the meter probes?
Does it drop to zero volts when the pedal is released?

The brake switches are doubled up for safety. It is unlikely they would
both be bad. The problem is far more likely to be in the left taillight
area or the engine compartment wiring junction box. There are 2 round 7
pin connectors in the box. One of these has all the wires for the rear
lights. The brakelight wire is black/red stripe.

Using a straight pin, push the pin into the wire. Push through the
insulation and aim for the center where the metal is. Measure the
voltage on the pin while someone pushes the brake pedal down hard. Put
one probe on the pin and the other probe on bare metal ground in the
engine compartment. On the same round connector are 2 wires that are
grey with a stripe. These should have 12 volts when the headlight switch
is on. Push the pin into one of these to verify your test setup. If you
can't find 12 volts on one of these then you are doing something wrong
and not finding 12 volts on the brake wire won't mean much.

Mark

Christopher Gronski wrote:

>Right now I'm only getting 1 volt at the brake lights with the pedal depressed.
>
>Chris
>
>