92Q Where is the Brake/Stop Light Sensor???

[rrack]

Hello all. Been far too long. Just a quick question: Where the H E double hockey sticks is the Brake/Stop Lamp sensor? Long story short...I just found out today that the left and right brake lights aren't working. However, the third in the trunk spoiler is working. There is no warning on the dash cluster. I double checked all the bulbs and they're all fine. Tail lights and signals work fine...just no brake lights. After a little searching, it seems that the Brake Sensor is either bad. However, I can't find where it's at in the gray bible. Is it under the dash or in the trunk? I really hope that's all that's wrong. Can the third brake light still work when the others are out?

Thanks much, robert

[rrack]

K...I think I may have found it...along the rear side of the tunk inside near the trunk latch release. And I did notice that when i pulled it out, the third light won't work. Is there a way to check it?

K...disregard...fixed it...I tend to do this a bunch...

Took the sensor apart and found that a couple of the soldered joints had broken lose. Resoldered and I've got lights...Maybe that'll help someone someday...
Modified by rrack at 8:22 PM 2/16/2007

[goody90q45]

Glad we could help! (LOL)

[Q45tech]

Very common situation especially on 90-93 where lots of dual redundant bulbs are used.

As the bulbs age just before failure their cold/hot resistance decreases so they draw more current.

The system was designed for brand new bulbs of a certain QUALITY, not usually available in US so with junk replacememnt bulbs of low standard it softens solder which progressively fails.

http://en.nicoclub.com/nowiki....rrent

The tungsten filament is heated by electric current during operation of the lamp. During operation of the halogen lamp, the tungsten filament is heated to incandescence by the passage of electrical current. The lamp's lifetime is based on the integrity of the filament. Once the filament burns out, the lamp no longer operates. While the lamp is operating, heat produced by electric current in the filament induces evaporation of the filament. The tungsten vaporizes from the filament and condense at the cold spot of the lamp which is typically located on the wall of the light emitting chamber. The condensed tungsten causes the chamber wall to progressively blacken during the life of the lamp which undesirably reduces the light output of the lamp during its useful life. The filament is continuously evaporating during operation of the lamp and, when the diameter of the filament reaches the critical point, the lamp burns out. A higher current flow in the filament results in a more rapid evaporation.

[TBrack]

lucky you! I'm trying to figure out how to disable the damn thing.

[kdkrone]

So, Q45tech, should the bulbs be changed on a regular rotation before they burn out? In 14 years/114K miles, I have replaced exactly two bulbs, the stop lights. Lucky? or just good quality bulbs?

What replacement bulbs do you recommend for the highest quality?

ThanksKen K