I just got word, that my '87 GT 5-speed daily driver, failed the state inspection.
The Parking Brake dash light does not come on during initial key turn on, and also will not come on when the Parking Brake is pulled on.
(EDIT): I swapped the working CHECK ENG SOON bulb into the BRAKE bulb location, but could still not get the BRAKE light to come on when pulling up the E. Brake lever.
Has anyone else had this issue problem that had a complicated repair for a fix?
Thanks for the help.
[This message has been edited by hdryder (edited 10-02-2013).]
The typical failure is that the brake light stays on, even when the brake is not engaged, because the switch at the bottom of the handle is out of alignment, or bad.
------------------ 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. (Jurassic Park)
This Virginia inspection station claims it should come on during a 'light/circuit' type test with the initial key on.
Is there any DOT or Fed standard for that type requirement in a 1987 vehicle?
The bulb looked good. I even switched the known working CHECK ENG SOON bulb, into that position, which would not light up when pulling the Emergency Brake lever.
Do the E. Brake switches tend to fail?
[This message has been edited by hdryder (edited 10-01-2013).]
Originally posted by hdryder: This Virginia inspection station claims it should come on during a 'light/circuit' type test with the initial key on.
Inspector is correct IF he mean when starting... never in run/on position. Key turn to bulbtest or start, the light should be on. Any repair book will show you. Brake and a few other warning bulbs work like that on most/all cars since ~1970s.
GM, and many others, ignition switch have these settings.... Accessory, Lock, Off, Run, Bulb Test, Start. Fiero test Brake bulb and temp gauge from factory. (Many have fix the gauge/bulb "problem" to stop pegging the gauge.)
Some states use private garages to do Safety (and Emissions) Inspections... This is normal in those states. NY and I think PA are in the same boat. Many shops follow the rules... Doesn't matter on Fed's FMVSS etc because Your state looks for good warning bulb(s).
If you switch w/ a know good bulb and socket... Circuit "board" on dash, at bulb not making contact or socket for wire plugin to the board. iffy wire(s) iffy ignition switch or ground to it. Switch should ground the test bulb in bulb test and start.
Iffy board is a common issue and Not a "Fiero only" problem, Like the socket that wire plugs in likes to have loose copper because glue went bye bye. Old sockets are a problem too.
[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 10-01-2013).]
I remember reading that the brake light circuit also goes through the chime unit. (aka, blue dingy thingy) Maybe someone can back me up or knows otherwise...
I remember reading that the brake light circuit also goes through the chime unit. (aka, blue dingy thingy) Maybe someone can back me up or knows otherwise...
It should ding with the brake on while in run, I think.
I don't know if the chime going bad affects the light coming on though.
Originally posted by dobey: It should ding with the brake on while in run, I think. I don't know if the chime going bad affects the light coming on though.
Chime box shouldn't matter for the bulb problem. Leave it out for testing. Chime activate should be only Park brake is on.
Wiggle the bulb socket when someone turn the key to bulb test. socket etc can "wear" even when no moving. Many part here can get damage over time just from constant pressure.
If that helps, carefully bend up the brass contact on the socket. Only a small amount.
check volts at bulb location when someone turn the key to bulb test or start. Any test light would do.
No volt/light the check the sockets (2) that wire harness go for bent copper traces.
be careful bent copper are easy short out a circuit. You hope your only blow a fuse...
Power likely is not the problem... Power is shared by other bulbs/gauges. Tan/wht wire on pin 14 big connector (view from front, right connection) is ground when light is on.
quote
Originally posted by jaskispyder: does it look like this one? myfiero.oceanmoon.co...gines/700-series-tbi
stole That and other pages (~22 pages) from my cave.
More like he needs to find another inspection station in the future. My inspector has never checked anything like this. I'll check, but I don't even think it's on the inspection checklist.
