Inoperative 348 3rd brake light (and a few other things) | FerrariChat
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Inoperative 348 3rd brake light (and a few other things)

Discussion in '348/355' started by Chupacabra, Jul 6, 2010.

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  1. Chupacabra

    Chupacabra F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2005
    3,583
    Behind a drum kit
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    Mr. Chupacabra
    #1 Chupacabra, Jul 6, 2010
    I did a search, but I only dug up threads about replacement bulbs. Already tried that...

    The connections and wires all appear solid, and yes the engine cover was closed. Is there something simple I may be missing, maybe a separate fuse or something?

    I'll be working on it tonight because without the light, I'm SOL -- it won't pass VA inspection.

    Another interesting anomaly -- the drivers side door will neither lock nor unlock either door, but the passenger side locks/unlocks both simultaneously. Ideas?

    Got the tags and title today, now I just need a freakin' inspection sticker! :)
     
  2. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2002
    5,966
    Milton, Wash.
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    Jeff B.
    #2 Miltonian, Jul 7, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2010
    There is no wire running from the frame into the engine lid. The power for the center brake light comes from the contact switch about a foot to the right of the engine lid latch (only when the ignition switch is on). With a test light, you should show power at that contact when the ignition is on and the pedal is pushed down. If not, there is an open circuit somewhere between the outer brake lights and the contact, and for inspection purposes, you should be able to rig up a jumper wire to do the deed. Make sure the spring-loaded switch on the engine lid is freely moving in and out, its contact surface is clean, and it's aligned with the contact on the cross frame. The lid also has to be grounded, but that shouldn't be an issue. I'm not aware of a fuse or relay that affects only the center brake light.

    Your door lock problem is most likely due to bad connections at the twist connector in the left door jamb, but it could also be a bad switch.
     
  3. Ingenere

    Ingenere F1 Veteran
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    Dec 11, 2001
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    Dino
    #3 Ingenere, Jul 7, 2010
    That 3rd brake light has only worked a few times in the last 20 years, but with no inspections it never really mattered and I hadn't thought about it for years..... until you mentioned it.

    The lock/unlock thing I am not understanding.
     
  4. Chupacabra

    Chupacabra F1 Rookie
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    #4 Chupacabra, Jul 7, 2010
    I'm going to get it tomorrow...the spring-loaded switch is fine, the contacts are clean and aligned, bulbs are new, yadda yadda...I have a good feeling that the problem is near or with the light bar itself, but I guess I'll find out! Whatever the case, I'm going to lick it tomorrow -- maybe the jumper wire will do the trick.

    The lock thing is a little bizarre, yeah? I was wondering if the "revival" on the transport could have caused a few little gremlins to pop up. I've heard 348s don't necessarily appreciate jumps, but I'm just guessing there.

    I'm looking forward to getting everything licked so that I can get this thing on the road legally. I've been having a blast so far...on closed roads, of course :)
     
  5. mdsassaman

    mdsassaman Karting

    Nov 4, 2006
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    Reading, PA
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    Mike Sassaman
    #5 mdsassaman, Jul 16, 2014
    Last evening I tackled the non working 3rd brake light because of the upcoming state inspection. I previously had replaced the bulbs with LEDs and they worked back then. After dismantling and checking things step by step, inch by inch, (Niagra Falls). Anyway, I finally determined that the engine lid had a bad ground. I temporarily added a jumper wire from the shock tower ground to the engine cover hinge bolt and the 3rd light worked. Now I just have to figure out how to restore the good ground through the hinges and remove the temporary ground wire. Did anyone ever have this issue?
    Mike
    Reading, PA
     

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