1991 240SX - Tail lights stay on even without lights on

[Owen]

Last week I noticed that one of my hide-away headlights was not burning. It was starting to get dark so I was frantic to get it on. After playing with the lights, it came on and I had no other problem. This evening I came out to drive off and the car wouldn't start. I usually carry an extra battery in my hatch(don't ask - past experiences! Anyway it started the car and I took off to try and charge it up. Came back home and turned the car off and back on - nothing! Then I noticed that my tail lights and stop light were staying on and was running the battery down. Would this be the result of a wiring shortage or a bad battery or ...? Any help appreciated.

Owen

[znelson]

Do the headlights stay on as well or just the taillights?

[Owen]

znelson,

Only the tail lights stay on. A friend says since I took the battery out of the car to charge it, the computer has probably reset and I won't have this problem when I put it back into the car. We'll see... BTW, I notice that you're from Louisville, Kentucky. I live in Dallas, TX but I'm originally from Louisville. I've been in Dallas since 1983 and I'm looking forward to returning sometimes soon. There's no place like home!

Owen

[znelson]

Ecu shouldnt have to reset for that.. could be a few things.. namely a crossed wire thats still drawing voltage when they are off. i will tell you if you cant find the wiring problem (make sure you check the RELAYS for the tailights as well) cut the wire after the trunk and thread a wire up to the ignition column and rewire it yourself. I hate to say that but wiring checking is really expensive and on something simple like that, wire it yourself. Theres also a possiblity it could be the switch on the steering column, I had this problem except on my headlights, they werent grounding where youre case would be they were always grounding. Try swapping it.

[penpen-commander]

did you check if the brake switch/relay is still good?or if the rubber stop to the switch is still intact?

[penpen-commander]

without the rubber stop, you switch will be activated nonstop.the brakes will remain on.

[benemorius]

did you check if the brake switch/relay is still good?or if the rubber stop to the switch is still intact?

Golden advice.

[positron1]

Last week I noticed that one of my hide-away headlights was not burning. It was starting to get dark so I was frantic to get it on. After playing with the lights, it came on and I had no other problem. This evening I came out to drive off and the car wouldn't start. I usually carry an extra battery in my hatch(don't ask - past experiences! Anyway it started the car and I took off to try and charge it up. Came back home and turned the car off and back on - nothing! Then I noticed that my tail lights and stop light were staying on and was running the battery down. Would this be the result of a wiring shortage or a bad battery or ...? Any help appreciated.

Owen

Dude I had the same problem with the freaking brake lights burning up my battery and it turned out to be the little rubber stopper on the brake light switch. It's a .70 cent fix that takes five minutes and a pair of needle nose...check this link. zerothread?id=140463

[lonelywanderer]

check the brake switch, my friend had the same problem with the brake lights staying on

[240sxs13sleeper]

hey all im having the same problem too...and ive read everything on this thread and hear u guys talking about some rubber piece having to be there...

all my 4 of my tail light bulbs are on and even the one on my trunk...

where does rubber piece(s) have to be place at??????

-thx

[positron1]

hey all im having the same problem too...and ive read everything on this thread and hear u guys talking about some rubber piece having to be there...

all my 4 of my tail light bulbs are on and even the one on my trunk...

where does rubber piece(s) have to be place at??????

-thx

You gotta lie down and look up under the dash where the steering column is. The rubber stopper goes on the backside of the brake pedal where it makes a connection with the switch. Put your hand back there and feel for it.

[240sxs13sleeper]

hey thx alot for the help gonna go do in right now .. lets see if that the problem

-thao

[harlock_ssx]

Common problem with 240's...the microswitch for the brake lights contacts a plastic plug that's mounted to the brake pedal. Over time & use the plastic cracks & finally the plug breaks away...Ghetto fix...get a penny & some electrical tape & place the penny over the hole for the plug & tape over it with electrical tape to hold it on. Mine's been like that for 2 years!