Posted 2012-11-02 9:49 PM (#148110) Subject: OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
Member
Posts: 17
Location: MO
Please please please...I need help!First off, I am a lady, who probably has more knowledge than hubby about cars/trucks. And that's not too much. Was just told that my 2002 Chevrolet Impala's brake lights weren't working, but 3rd brake light on trunk was.I checked fuses and replaced bulbs. All are good, but still no (side) brake lights. Researched on internet - indicated possible hazard light switch malfunction or Multi-function switch (turn signal) problem. Hubby takes car to autozone, who says its gotta be brake switch. I told him it wasn't the problem, and was correct. New switch doesn't make it work. Turn signals work, headlights and brights work, hazard lights work, 3rd brake light on trunk works, and the rear lights that I believe are the brake light light up, but don't get brighter when brake is pressed.Took it to my cousin's new auto shop - told them what I had checked and what my research was leaning towards. They come back with its the multi-function switch, and can be replaced for $500. Said something like they tested 2 pins on it, and wasn't getting anything coming out of it...so it was the mf switch that needs replaced. I just don't get it how only the two brake lights - nothing else is a problem. I had the hazard switch replaced a year or so ago. I haven't been able to get hubby to test the electrical connections...he hasn't bothered to look at what I printed up for how to test it. I tried to locate a Chilton or Haynes car repair manual but they are not in stock locally.I also found info that sometimes an electrical spray contact cleaner can be sprayed on the contacts of the MF switch or hazard switch, clean up any corrosion and will work again.I figured out how to get steering wheel cover off, except for the fact of the tilt wheel lever - I can't find out how to get that 'released' to take it off to actually remove the lower half of cover. Also looking for any ways to get the Hazard switch out - do I need to take dash off to get it or does it just pop out?I don't have $500 for the repair, my car is due for inspection in Dec. Hubby doesn't care about issue since he has a service van to drive. Please help - is there any where I can find this info at??? Thanks, and so sorry to put this here - but you are my last resort, and I know someone here may be able to throw me in the right direction. I apologize for it not being a truck...I just hope someone can save me!
Posted 2012-11-02 10:27 PM (#148112 - in reply to #148110) Subject: RE: OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Lockport, Illinois
I found some on Ebay...........http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=2002+multifunction+switch+inpala&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=2002+multifunction+switch+impala&_sacat=0
Posted 2012-11-03 3:04 AM (#148115 - in reply to #148110) Subject: RE: OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
Member
Posts: 17
Location: MO
No, not me.....as my rear hazards DO work....Everything else works...just not the 2 brake lights. That is why it is so confusing. Supposedly hazard switch is somewhere around $50....and the multi function switch (not on eBay) is $327.I thought I saw in a YouTube video that there was something to release to get the tilt wheel adjuster off, not just a pull hard and it comes off train of thought?Was also.wondering about using parts from junkyard?
Posted 2012-11-03 9:51 PM (#148124 - in reply to #148110) Subject: RE: OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I don't know if this is even right but here's my guess. I used to drive GM products and have went thru this on older pick ups. The turn signal and brake light are the same. When the turn signal mechanism fails the brake lights will quit functioning properly. For example when you turn on the left signal and hit the brakes the right light knows to stay on as a brake light and the left flashes for the signal. With that have someone get in the car and move the turn signal lever around and hit the brake to see if you get a response with key on. If you do it's probably the turn signal switch. Not an easy job to replace. I was able to solve this problem occasionally with contact cleaner. I permanently fixed it with Ford motor company and haven't had a steering column apart since 97. Hope that helps
Posted 2012-11-04 12:09 AM (#148125 - in reply to #148110) Subject: RE: OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
Member
Posts: 17
Location: MO
Love, yes, they are the correct bulbs, part number matched.I will experiment with the brakes/turn signal. Thanks for the ideas. At least have a repair.manual coming from eBay some time.next week. Am really frustrated at my lack of progress with this!Like I said, I could apply the cleaner, IF I could figure out how to remove the tilt wheel lever.....
Posted 2012-11-04 1:12 PM (#148127 - in reply to #148110) Subject: RE: OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
Member
Posts: 17
Location: MO
301 - tried what you suggested with turn signal and brake applied. I still don't get any type of break light, except for the 3rd brake light on trunk. The turn signal for both directions worked, but no brake light.Anyone else??? Please keep suggestions coming....I won't get the manual until sometime end of next week, and am crossing fingers it will have needed info/pictures.
Posted 2012-11-07 1:54 AM (#148162 - in reply to #148110) Subject: RE: OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
Member
Posts: 17
Location: MO
Ouch Rocky!! Do you have any idea how the tilt wheel adjuster is removed? I would like to try the cleaner in the switch first, while my neighbor is in the lookout for another switch. Will look at the parts store recommended if I can scrape together thee extra funds.Thank you all so much for trying to help!!!
Posted 2012-11-08 10:42 AM (#148187 - in reply to #148110) Subject: RE: OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
Regular
Posts: 51
The reason the center trunk brake light works or is not affected is it is not part of the turn signals. The same filliament that is your brake light is also the turn signal. When you have your brakes on both lights light up bright but when you have a turn signal on it flashes the one that is supposed to.
OT -Need help on car repair - no response on other forum!
