stop, tail light sensor
stop, tail light sensor
I have all the post here on the issue, all my stop and tail lights work correctly, but cannot clear the error on dash of a 1992 Q45. How to clear error code now that all lights are functioning correctly, thanks.
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goody90q45
- Posts: 3679
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:07 pm
- Car: 1992 Infiniti Q45 (sold)
- Location: Orangevale, CA
Re: stop, tail light sensor
It's been a couple of years since I changed sensors but IIRC your sensor is working properly telling you that there is too much resistance in the circuit. Pull out both stop lamp modules and look at the dual filament bulb sockets closely. (90-93 has 2 dual filament bulbs in each module, 94-96 only has one each)
Do the sockets in the module show any signs of melting or flattening, are the wires brittle or have melted insulation? If yes, replace the module or splice in new sockets.
Look at the dual filament bulbs. Are they long life (LL) bulbs, preferably Sylvania LL? If not, replace them. If the lead contacts on the bulb are melted or flattened they'll need replacing. Four old bulbs in the circuit will raise the resistance enough to set off the sensor. Sylvannia LL seem to have the lowest resistance and have given us the best results.
If I'm completely wrong so far and you've done everything by the book then check the sensor located behind the trim panel under the trunk lock. Any melting or charring on the connector? Pry off the cover and trace the ground circuit. See any melted or discolored solder connections? If so a new sensor is over $90 so it's worth resoldering the bad connections to try and fix it. I have zero experience soldering and surprised myself when I was able to repair the sensor on my 94Q. Take a look before you splurge on a new sensor.
Also replace the 3rd brake light or spoiler lights with LL bulbs.
Unless there's a broken wire (unlikely) that's about all there is in the warning circuit. Replace the bulbs first to rule them out (while checking the bulb modules) and then go after the sensor.
Let us know how it turns out.
Do the sockets in the module show any signs of melting or flattening, are the wires brittle or have melted insulation? If yes, replace the module or splice in new sockets.
Look at the dual filament bulbs. Are they long life (LL) bulbs, preferably Sylvania LL? If not, replace them. If the lead contacts on the bulb are melted or flattened they'll need replacing. Four old bulbs in the circuit will raise the resistance enough to set off the sensor. Sylvannia LL seem to have the lowest resistance and have given us the best results.
If I'm completely wrong so far and you've done everything by the book then check the sensor located behind the trim panel under the trunk lock. Any melting or charring on the connector? Pry off the cover and trace the ground circuit. See any melted or discolored solder connections? If so a new sensor is over $90 so it's worth resoldering the bad connections to try and fix it. I have zero experience soldering and surprised myself when I was able to repair the sensor on my 94Q. Take a look before you splurge on a new sensor.
Also replace the 3rd brake light or spoiler lights with LL bulbs.
Unless there's a broken wire (unlikely) that's about all there is in the warning circuit. Replace the bulbs first to rule them out (while checking the bulb modules) and then go after the sensor.
Let us know how it turns out.