Stop Lamp Inop Message 92 Q45

[GseaQ]

Hi all,

I haven't had to write for a while, but now I have an issue. I've replacing the 1157 brake light bulbs every year or so (92 Q45), but got the dreaded message a couple of weeks ago. The lights all still worked as usual and I replaced the two left side bulbs with long life ones (the store had to order in more long life's). That cured the message, though. Yesterday I got the other 2 long life bulbs and replaced them BUT...I figured I'd replace the high mount bulbs, too. They still worked, but were 14 years old. I should have left well enough alone. I put in the new 921 bulbs and as soon as I turned on the ignition the Stop Lamp Inop message came back. I didn't even touch the brake! It happens every time I turn on the key. I replaced the Brake Light Module a couple of years ago after not replacing the bulbs often enough caused me to ONLY have the high mount brake light working. Any thoughts? Anyone?

Thanks,Glenn

[Raxephon]

I replaced the Brake Light Module a couple of years ago....

Did you replace it with a new one or a used one?

I found that the solder had come undone from the board in mine.

I simply de-soldered all the connections and then re-soldered them.

"Stop Lamp Inoperative" only comes on when its suppose to now.

[GseaQ]

Hi,

It was used, but off a 93 low mileage with no rear damage. I just don't know why new bulbs would kill the module even before the bulbs had been turned on.

Glenn

[Raxephon]

Do you still have the old one?

If so, I'd pull it apart and inspect the board for solder "puddling" to one side or completely missing all together.

Especially around the harness plug connector pins at the board.

[GseaQ]

Thanks for the suggestion anlasak. I'm afraid I threw it away, but I seem to remember it had heat damage around a pin or 2 of the connector. This just happened yesterday, so I haven't had a chance to look at the box yet. I still don't see how the new bulbs could fry the box the instant the ignition is turned on, but I have seen some strange things in life...

Glenn