So in designing my new LED tail and brake lights, I was checking the volts to my brakes and I'm only get a little less than 9 volts.
When I looked in chilton's I noticed that the 84's are the only year that has a relay in between the turn signal stock and the lights.
My question is do the 85's and up get more volts to the brake lights???

If you could chime in with what you are getting for a volt reading at your brake lights it would be much appreciated. Thank you, Ray

Likely your taillights have a ground problem or the battery is dead.

84 uses relays because they will light three bulbs on a side for brake lights. 85 and later notchies only light two bulbs on the side.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
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The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

Someone posted this link in my "Blacked out tailights" thread. Very helpful..

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz

Check it out. Dunno if youve seen this or need it but there it is.

I get 11.7 with the key off, and 13.8 when the car is idling.

This is on an 86SE.

quote Originally posted by theogre: Likely your taillights have a ground problem or the battery is dead. 84 uses relays because they will light three bulbs on a side for brake lights. 85 and later notchies only light two bulbs on the side.

Do they have a ground all there own. Or would it be just my body/engine grounds?? Thanx Ray

quote Originally posted by Synthesis: I get 11.7 with the key off, and 13.8 when the car is idling. This is on an 86SE.

How may I ask are yu getting your readings? Dmm?

quote Originally posted by weloveour86se: How may I ask are yu getting your readings? Dmm?

Yes.

Ground point is on the upper frame rail on the passenger side - you need to remove the wheelwell liner to get at it.

quote Originally posted by rcp builders: Do they have a ground all there own. Or would it be just my body/engine grounds?? Thanx Ray

The grounding problem could be anywhere. Battery cables, ground straps, etc, In the engine Bay is a good start.
See my cave, wire service in general election section.