Q45 1991 Brake Lights Keep Going Out

[brakeqlight]

I saw glowing references to this user community posted on rec.autos.tech so I figured I'd ask to see if I can get pointers.

A passing motorist hailed me to say my brake lights were out on my 91 Q45.

I'm not very mechanically inclined but I did check the fuse and replaced it even though it seemed OK. The bottom two lights are still out (the top one works).

Can you give me some hints where the problem might lie?Of course, I'll check the bulbs (if I can figure out how to get to them).But, I would doubt both bulbs would go at the same time so it might very well be something else.

[maxnix]

Check sockets for corrosion.

Read previous posts on this subject. Then (at your leisure) read all previous posts by Q45tech.

Check that all bulbs are OEM or at least Sylvania LL.

Welcome to the font of Q45 knowledge.

[AlabamaDan]

There have been numerous posts in the past about the ills caused from using non-OEM bulbs in the past. Something about melting the bulb contacts or something.

How long have you owned your Q?

Have you even had the brake light bulbs changed?

I get a message on my dash that the rear lights are inoperative from time to time, but they've always worked. I suspect I have non-OEM bulbs causing the problem, but I'm too lazy to do anything about it.

[SUITE E]

I saw glowing references to this user community posted on rec.autos.tech so I figured I'd ask to see if I can get pointers.

A passing motorist hailed me to say my brake lights were out on my 91 Q45.

I'm not very mechanically inclined but I did check the fuse and replaced it even though it seemed OK. The bottom two lights are still out (the top one works).

Can you give me some hints where the problem might lie?Of course, I'll check the bulbs (if I can figure out how to get to them).But, I would doubt both bulbs would go at the same time so it might very well be something else.

check your brake light sensor for impending failure. don't know why it uses such a device but it is present and the brake lights are somehow controlled by it. It is located on the rear panel inside the trunk behind the carpetted panel. About exactly behind the license plate. 3" X 6" X 1" green or black box with a plug at one end. Unscrew it from its mount and examine the exterior for signs of components overheating. My partner had his go bad and you could see the green plastic had begun to melt where it got hot from a bad capacitor or something. about 80 buks at the dealer. I am curious why they use this thing but I have a theory. the 3rd brake light may still work even though the other lights don't, as on my partners Q. #rd brake lights may be LED'S. If so, they light up instantly whereas normal incan's take a split (but noticable delay) second to light up. It might be used to equalize that delay discrepancy. And then, maybe not.....

[natsoundup]

probably a the sensor...talked about it the above post.

might try tapping it lightly to see if the electronics re-connect. That is a very temporary fix. You will have to get a new one.

Had the same problem once/ Seems like I remember the box being a light purple color