kelel01 1 #1 November 16, 2004 Ok, so here's the deal: When my headlights are on a) my cruise control doesn't work (not a big deal) and b) MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON (big deal). So, my question is, how difficult is this to fix and approximately how much will it cost me? Any ideas are welcome. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #2 November 16, 2004 Eww, electrical problems can be the worst to track down. What make, model, and year of car is it? Second, did you have osme work done prior to the problem appearing, such as trailer wiring added or anything like that? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #3 November 16, 2004 Sorry, I'm laughing at the thought of my Hyundai Elantra (2000, since you asked) with a trailer hitch. Anyway, no, I haven't had any work done recently, but I also have no idea how long this has been going on. I knew about the cruise control about a month and a half ago, and if I've been driving at night with brake lights always on for that long, it's a miracle I haven't been hit. So, hmmm, this is bad? That sucks balls. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #4 November 16, 2004 QuoteOk, so here's the deal: When my headlights are on a) my cruise control doesn't work (not a big deal) and b) MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON (big deal). So, my question is, how difficult is this to fix and approximately how much will it cost me? Any ideas are welcome. Thanks! *disclaimer* I am not a certified mechanic, so take my advice for what it is...advice, not gospel* Quite likely a short somewhere....the problem (and expense) comes in tracking it down. If it were me (and I didn't have a mechanic friend I could sucker persuade to help me, I would start at the the brake light switch and work from there, checking both the brake light and rear marker light circuits. That, to me, seems like the most likely culprit based on no cruise (won't hold speed with brake applied) and brake lights constantly on.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanHarrop 43 #5 November 16, 2004 QuoteSorry, I'm laughing at the thought of my Hyundai Elantra (2000, since you asked) with a trailer hitch. I can't understand the laughter I put a trailer hitch on my 94 Elantra and pulled tent trailer through the mountains for family holidays for 4 years. Okay in 98 I upgraded to a van, but still the Elantra pulled a trailer (yes it was a really small tent trailer)"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #6 November 16, 2004 Well, my Elantra has trouble driving up hills with my 2-man tent in the trunk. I wish I was still covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, but I'm less than 2,000 miles away from losing my powertrain warranty. Boo hiss-a-roo. Kelly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #7 November 16, 2004 QuoteSorry, I'm laughing at the thought of my Hyundai Elantra (2000, since you asked) with a trailer hitch Hrm, i wonder if we can get a trailer hitch for wingi's golfcart.... ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #8 November 16, 2004 QuoteQuoteSorry, I'm laughing at the thought of my Hyundai Elantra (2000, since you asked) with a trailer hitch Hrm, i wonder if we can get a trailer hitch for wingi's golfcart.... To tow what? oh, wait... you could get one of those little trailers for a garden tractor and use it to haul the beer coolers around!Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #9 November 16, 2004 No, ON his Elantra FOR his golf cart . . . how did he drag that thing to Rantoul? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #10 November 16, 2004 QuoteNo, ON his Elantra FOR his golf cart . . . how did he drag that thing to Rantoul? I dunno, the golfcart could prolly pull the elantra. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #11 November 16, 2004 QuoteNo, ON his Elantra FOR his golf cart . . . how did he drag that thing to Rantoul? Um....very carefully?Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pleifer 0 #12 November 16, 2004 What no hitch? I've got half the motor, and still have a hitch.... (see pic) anyway... I know it sounds obvious, but check the fuses... When a fuse blows weird stuff can happen... (edited cuz. I forgot to hit the upload button) _________________________________________ The Angel of Duh has spoke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Islandcool 0 #13 November 16, 2004 it sounds like your brake light switch is has a short in it or it just may need adjustment. This would also affect the cruise control I believe. It's fairly inexpensive to replace. some place like pep boys should have it. They could also replace it for you on the cheap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #14 November 16, 2004 Thank you! Some good news! Unfortunately, though, it looks like I'm not getting out of here for a lunch break, so I'm gonna have to drive tonight with my hazards on like a huge dork. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #15 November 16, 2004 QuoteI would start at the the brake light switch and work from there, checking both the brake light and rear marker light circuits. Hey, what about me?? Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Islandcool 0 #16 November 16, 2004 QuoteHey, what about me?? Aww.. dude. I didn't even see your post. Credit the man in the white hat. I think it just might be adjustment of the switch is all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #17 November 16, 2004 QuoteQuoteHey, what about me?? Aww.. dude. I didn't even see your post. Credit the man in the white hat. I think it just might be adjustment of the switch is all. de nada... was just pulling Kel's chain. I don't think it's gonna be an adjustment... if it was, the brake lights would be on constantly, headlights or no. I'm thinking it's either in the brake switch (most likely), headlight switch (2nd most likely) or possibly a short between the marker lights and brake lights (remotely likely).Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #18 November 16, 2004 QuoteOk, so here's the deal: When my headlights are on a) my cruise control doesn't work (not a big deal) and b) MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON (big deal). So, my question is, how difficult is this to fix and approximately how much will it cost me? Any ideas are welcome. Thanks! the grommet on the brake pedal that depresses the brake light switch has probably come off or the switch is bad. making the car cruise controll think that you are pushing the break pedal. hence the brake lights on and the cuise controll is cancelled when you hit the brakes.. kelly gimme a call and come by today. i will look at it.... sounds like an easy fix. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #19 November 16, 2004 I once had an electrical short in the hatchback door on my old '93 Ford Mustang. I don't remember exactly what caused it, but I remember not being able to start the car. Just a dead ignition. The short was found in the wiring halfway between the lights on the hatchback and the hinges... Go figure! "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davedlg 0 #20 November 16, 2004 Quote or possibly a short between the marker lights and brake lights (remotely likely). Actually, I would bet that's what it is. I that happen to me before: the salt and corrosion in the back of the car wore some of the insulation from one of my marker lights where the wire croses with the back of the brake lights with very similar results. Also I had a short in the tailgate which prevented me from turning my car off (same vehicle as above). The only way I could turn the car off was by disconnecting the wire to the distributor cap. It was causing weird lights to go on and made a weird dinging noise whenever the short was made. It took me several weeks to track it down. I finally figured out it was in the tailgate when I noticed that when I opened / closed it, the short would usually happen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC07 0 #21 November 16, 2004 Here's my deal: I have a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT and the windshield whippers randomly turn on whenever they feel like it. And when it's cold outside I can never unlock the drivers side door. What's the deal? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpervali 2 #22 November 16, 2004 I do believe marks is near the problem. If your brake pedal is thinking it's depressed it will cause the cruse to kick off. The switch on the back of the pedal linkage is adjustable. It may have simply became out of adjustment or is stuck in the closed position. This can happen very easily. jumpervali Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelel01 1 #23 November 16, 2004 But keep in mind, it's only when my headlights are on. Does that still make sense? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpervali 2 #24 November 16, 2004 I guess I should have read closer, it only happens when the lights are on. If it was the pedal switch it would be doing it even in day time driving. You have a short causing your running lights to jump over to the break light circuit sending a false hi condition to the cruise control. I'd first check the attachment location of the hitch lights wiring harness to the car harness. Maybe some tape has unrolled or worn jumpering the circuit. jumpervali Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #25 November 16, 2004 QuoteBut keep in mind, it's only when my headlights are on. Does that still make sense? then it is possible you put an 1156 bulb into an 1157 bulb socket. that will cause this also. and it would only do it when the headlights are on... kelly.. your not going to get it fixed here... it is an easy diagnosis if you bring me the car... ive been doing this full time for 13 years. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
