2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Logo
Anonymous Posted on Jul 03, 2017

Chevy cavalier - rear brake lights don't work. The center rear brake light does work as well as all other lights. Replaced the bulbs and fuse - no luck. From what I have been told, the turn signal switch is probably the issue, but to replace it requires pulling the steering wheel and air bag. As the rear brake light works, can't I just tap off the wires to the rear center brake light and run them to the rear brake lights ????

1 Answer

Jeff Armer

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  • Chevrolet Master 15,575 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 03, 2017
Jeff Armer
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Joined: Nov 22, 2012
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Stop Lamp Circuit Description
The STOP HAZ fuse in the IP junction block supplies battery positive voltage to the normally open stop lamp switch. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the switch contacts close and battery positive voltage is supplied to the center mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) and both left and right stop lamp assemblies. The left stop lamp is grounded at G304 and the right stop lamp is grounded at G304.

Check the ground ! Testing an not guessing is the way to find the problem . Do you know how to test automotive electrical systems an circuits using a DVOM - digital volt ohm meter ? How to use an read a wiring diagram to pin point testing areas in a wiring harness ?
Basic Electricity for Service Techs Ohm law Current Flow Opens Shorts
How to Use Multimeter to Troubleshoot Common Problems
Mastering Voltage Drop Testing with Pete Meier and Jerry Truglia

Stop Lamps Inoperative
Step
Action
Yes
No

2
Inspect the 20 Amp STOP HAZ fuse.
Is the STOP HAZ fuse open?
YES - Go to Step 11
NO - Go to Step 3
3
Use a test lamp in order to backprobe connector C1 of the brake switch connector between terminal A and ground. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.
Does the test lamp light?
YES - Go to Step 4
NO - Go to Step 5
4
With the brake switch closed, Test for positive battery voltage at terminal B of connector C1. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.
Is voltage present?
YES - Go to Step 6
NO - Go to Step 7
5
Repair the open or short to ground in the Fuse Output-Battery between the fuse block and the brake switch. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete?
YES - System OK
--
6
Use a test lamp in order to backprobe the turn/hazard headlamp switch assembly connector C2 terminal A and ground.
Depress the brake pedal.
Does the test lamp light?
YES - Go to Step 8
NO - Go to Step 9
7
Inspect the adjustment of the brake switch. If the adjustment is correct, replace the brake switch.
Is the repair complete?
YES - System OK
--
8
Replace the turn/hazard headlamp switch assembly.
Is the repair complete?
System OK
--
9
Repair the open in Stop Lamp Switch Output between the brake switch and the turn/hazard headlamp switch assembly. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete?
System OK
--
10
With brake switch open test terminal A of the brake switch for continuity to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.
Is ground present?
YES - Go to Step 11
NO - Go to Step 12
11
Repair short to ground in Fuse Output-Battery Circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is repair complete?
System OK
--
12
Test the Stop Lamp Switch Output Circuit for continuity to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.
Is ground present?
YES - Go to Step 13
NO - Go to Step 14
13
Repair short to ground in the Stop Lamp Switch Output Circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is repair complete?
System OK
--
14
Test terminals F,G,B and C on the Hazard Warning Switch for continuity to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.
Is ground present?
Go to Step 15
--
15
Repair short to ground in suspect CKT. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is repair complete?
System OK
--

5 Related Answers

Nicholas Csorba Jr.

  • 148 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 17, 2009

SOURCE: Tail lights don't work on 1998 Chevy Silverado.

check the wiring from the tailights back to the fuse panel, it sounds like an open connection. if i recall correctly check under the dash on the drivers side near the fuse panel for a bunch of wires in a bundle and look carefully for a wire or two that are cut/shorted/or seperated, you can also check under the drivers side kick panel by the hood release.

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Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 31, 2008

SOURCE: brake light on 2001 chevy blazer LT 2wd

When my blazer did this they had to replace part of the wiring harness in the steering wheel. It took forever for them to get the parts because we live in nowhereville, but once it was in it works again and no problems. I had to take it to the actual chevy dealer because none of the other places had a clue. good luck.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Mar 07, 2009

SOURCE: No rear brake light / turn signals on 2001 Chevy Cavalier

A shot of WD 40 fixed it. Thanks for the help!

frank_crab

  • 233 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 09, 2009

SOURCE: 1998 Chevy Cavalier Z24 left rear brake/turn lamps will not work

Sometimes even a new bulb will not work. If you have a Digital Multi Meter you can check that you have power going to the rear. I know that sometimes when a vehicle loses a bulb in one end that it can make the other end stop working. With that said, I suggest that you double check to see that the front works. I used to own a 98 Cavalier RS with the 2.2 liter motor and I know that there are fuses under the hood and behind a little door on the drivers side in the car. Might check fuses under the hood also.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 20, 2009

SOURCE: replace turn signal switch 1998 chevy lumina

You may look or feel the back side of the steering wheel, looking for 2 screws that hold the airbag to the wheel, these will be internal torq type screws (star) you may have to rotate the steering wheel 90 degrees to access the screws. You should first disable the airbag, by removing the airbag fuse, and or by disconnecting a yellow connector located near the base of the steering column. under the knee bolster.(panel below column). Once the retaining screws are removed, lift bag and disconnect the 2 connector to the airbag, the ground for the horn, and the horn contact wire, which requires you to push down and twist counter clockwise, damage to the horn contact ring will occur if you try and just pull connector from the ring. Now you can remove the steering wheel, may require a puller, and the you will have access to the turn signal switch.

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