Lights Gone Wild (Electrical Problem?)

[Carl242]

I noticed something was off with my car last night when I clicked my keyfob to unlock my car twice. The first time my upper rear lights flashed, and the second time, only the left one flashed. I thought I'd blown a bulb, so I had my wife look at the brake lights as I put my foot on the break, and she said that while both the upper ones remained on (it was night so my headlights were on), the lower ones (the brake lights) did not go on. She knew I was hitting the brake because the bar light on the top of the rear window was working. I then started driving, and I noticed the following symptoms (including those above):

-Brake lights don't work except for top bar
-When I use my key fob, only the left rear light flashes (even though when the headlights are on, both lights work)
-If i put my turn signal on to the left, it is normal, but if I put my turn signal to the right, it goes at double-speed

Does anyone know what this might be? I'm planning on taking her into the dealer next week sometime, but if its as simple as a specific fuse that might save me some time.

Thanks!
Carl

[Kermit]

I would say you have a bulb out judging by the double speed. As if it has anything to do with it, but does the right front turn signal work? It could be something as simple as a burnt out bulb. I just fixed a Volvo where the bulb looked good from the outside but the terminals (base) were fused together and pretty much made all the turn signals inop. Maybe it could be something along the lines of that.

For starters, I'd look at the right rear bulb since it is very simple to pull out and look at.

[John_H]

If you're in San Francisco, you have plenty of help available nearby in the form of Smart Centers. Take it on in!

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by John_H

If you're in San Francisco, you have plenty of help available nearby in the form of Smart Centers. Take it on in!

I keep forgetting people live close to the dealers. And I bet they might even still be open right now!

Of course be careful driving from your house to the dealer.....

[Carl242]

Hmm. Could be. I'm going to go and check all the lights now. I live near the dealer, but here in SF the mechanics and parts departments are only open on the weekdays (because who in their right minds would get parts or go have their car repaired when they are off work?)

[Carl242]

Bum-bling-B was right! It pays when your wife has the same car as you. I opened up the back light compartments using EvilUtion's very helpful tutorial here, and stole the bulb from my wife's Smart and lo and behold it worked!

Looks like the top light is used for both the the brake, turn signal, and tail light. There are two filaments in the bulb--one for the taillight and one for brake/signal. I guess the filament for the brake/signal went. I can see a tiny bit of it stuck to the glass, which is a little bit blackened. Suprised the other filament still works.

Technical lesson learned: if your indicator starts going double-speed, its time to change a bulb.

On that note: I have a partly functioning brake light bulb on sale. Half Price

[John_H]

Ah, credit where credit is due.

[Kermit]

Yeah, I was right! Do I win a prize?

Glad you were able to fix it without having to take time out of your schedule and bring it to the dealer for something as minor/simple as a burnt out bulb.

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

Yeah, I was right! Do I win a prize?

Glad you were able to fix it without having to take time out of your schedule and bring it to the dealer for something as minor/simple as a burnt out bulb.

Better yet, Wal-Mart stocks the exact bulb. Auto Zone does not. A2Jack.

[Carl242]

Went to Kragen--They had a bulb from Sylvania for about $6. It was model 7528 LL.

I had to explain to the guy behind the counter what a Smart was