Electrical Issues with 1995 Grand Prix

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[mommieoma]

Hello -

Hoping someone has experience with some of these issues before.  About a month ago noticed that the interior lights would randomly come on while driving, usually after rain (water somewhere) and would go on and off before just going off all together a few minutes later.   Then sometimes at the same time you would hear what sounded like the doorlocks clicking as well.  We could never get the interior lights come on with the switch but they did when you opened the door.

Now, I was just made aware that all the brake lights didn't work.  So after checking the fuses I searched on the internet and found you guys.   I checked my hazard flasher switch and it didn't appear to work as the dash indicators didn't work but the rears were working - not the front.   After working the knob up and down many times the front started working along with the dash indicators.  I also noticed that the chime for key/door open started working - it had not been before but I didn't notice when it had stopped.  The brake lights still don't work however.  

I metered the fuse for the brake lights (the one inside the car) and can see the voltage go off and on while activating the brake pedal so I would think that points to the brake pedal switch being ok?  And from what I've read since the center light doesn't work also that means that the problem is not the multifunction switch?  

I'm thinking of taking it to our repair guy but thought I'd check with you guys first.

Thanks for listening.

Linda

[SofaKingWeToddDid]

lol ok, im sorry for the welcome comment, this is better though. and i have no clue where to start.... hahaha

[Dark Ride]

It could be a number of things really, the rain part makes me think exposed wires or circuits causing tail-light bulbs to short out, that could explain the interior lights too, but I have no idea where.  I have electrical schematics for a 90 GP that I can post up some of the circuits if it would help you.

[mommieoma]

Thanks for the schematics thought, I got some from Autozone for the 95-96 years.

[3100MPFI]

it deff sounds like a short, but there are other issues that could cause it.  Namely a GROUND problem.

You also have to consider things that might be related.  Interior lights and door locks are tied together through the keyless entry receiver.  Does your car have keyless entry?  If so, does it work properly?

If you are not sure if it has it, look in the trunk near the antenna.  There will be a small black 1-wire connector not plugged into anything (just hanging there).  

If it is there then you have keyless entry, and your module might be shorting out.

When I get home, I will look up the wiring diagrams for those things to see if they share common power or grounds.

You might have a ground problem as well.  One way to test that is to have someone hold the brake pedal, remove a rear light bulb, and ground the black wire with a spare piece of wire.  If it comes on, it is a ground problem.

You might also want to invest in a voltmeter/multimeter that tests for continuity (Broken wires).  You can get one from SEARS for under $30 and it will test almost ever electrical problem in your car.

[mommieoma]

Thanks for the perspective... yes, I do have keyless entry, will look for the module.  I think I found it under the dash, not sure.  I'm thinking now that what I thought might be caused by water rolling around may be caused by the steering wheel movement while driving, or wires moving around under the dash while the car turns.  Need to look under there more.  Should be able to get mechanic help tommorow...Husband thinks it's the brake switch.

We have had water issues with the trunk - mainly water getting into it thought it was from the trunk lid seal.  I don't see any wires on the bottom where the water pooled in the wheel well.    

I checked the brake/running light socket and it has ground.  The running lights worked.

Do you know where the ground would be for the brake lamps?

When I figure this out (and I will) I will post what I find.



Thanks,

Linda

[crazy k]

READ:
http://tss.likeabigdog.com/


On the non-grand prix lines, the brake lights might not work due to a bad TSS(turn signal switch), in addition to the hazards not working right, but that should not be your issue.


the ground issue mentioned most likely only affects the intermittent issue and not the brake lights since all your other rear lights work, if I understood what you said correctly




Please take the time to check every fuse to make sure none are burned out, and that all are in the correct spots...  I fixed a S10 that had a exterior light wire ground out, popping the fuse, and when it did it turned the interior lights on.