I dont know what to try next ? pre 89 tail light failure

[1986.5supra_kid]

1986 NA

Problem: NO Bright brake lights

When i bought it, it didnt have the one piece spoiler. after i installed the spoiler that made the light come on in the dash for the tail light failure. i didnt care because all the lights worked, (drove it all that year)well over the winter i parked the supra til yesterday and decided to replace the tail light gaskets because they leaked. i also replaced the white insert with the bulbs that mount into the tail light because they had split wires and excessive damage.

So after replacing the gasket and the holder that encloses all the bulbs i dont have bright brake lights.

i only have
-back up
-turn signal
-side running lights
-dim brake lights
-NO Bright Brake lights

-I have checked the yellow box for poor connections or blown components,
-I have checked the fuse,i have checked the grounds in tail light and on the chassis in the trunk area.
-I have checked the brake switch continuity as well.
*Next i will check the spoilers lamp for correct wattage and connections.

NOTE: that while playing with the tail light failure connection the bright brake lights would come on for a moment or 2 (while brick was holding brake pedal)

Any other ideas to help troubleshoot?

 

[Nick M]

If your stop lamp switch on the brake pedal works as you say, did you check to see there is power to that switch? You need to look in the EWD for your year. The link is for the 89, and I don't think the strategy is noticably different. And there aren't any dim brake lights. They are only bright. Are you saying lights come on when you step on the brake, but they aren't bright? If so, get the right bulbs.

http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Library/TEWD/MK3/manual.aspx?S=Main&P=074

 

[1986.5supra_kid]

what i mean by going bright is there is the running light intensity and the brakes applied intensity. im not getting the higher intensity. i check for voltage ate the switch (12.7vdc) i checked all bulbs there the correct number as mentioned on several forums.

attempting the tfm bypass today.

 

[1986.5supra_kid]

what i mean by going bright is there is the running light intensity and the brakes applied intensity. im not getting the higher intensity. i check for voltage ate the switch (12.7vdc) i checked all bulbs there the correct number as mentioned on several forums.

attempting the tfm bypass today.

 

[Nick M]

Intensity is the right word, because the voltage is constant. It is just extra filaments.

 

[ForcedTorque]

You said you are getting 12.7 volts to the switch in the pedal. But, do you know for sure the switch itself is working? I'm not sure how you test that, maybe someone else can help there. I did have to replace a switch once. I know I have a brake pedal in my shed stash, I might have a switch if you need it.

 

[1986.5supra_kid]

To check a switch remove it from the circuit I.e unplug it and use ohm meter across the pair of spades. One set will be normally open while the other its normally closed. And I found out that it is the solder connections on the failure module. All I done was add solder and install woohooo now I need tag lights, they maybe burned out.lol

 

[Nick M]

He is better off doing voltage drop across the switch than an ohm test. And since he said he tested it, I figured he at least checked with a test light that it closes. (my bad)

 

[1986.5supra_kid]

no problem

the problem was solder connection from the pins to the board.the idiot light is still on but i dont have any working tag lights and i assume there apart of the tail light failure module.