Spoiler LED ground bad - Honda Prelude Forum

rmelendez · 08-27-2007, 10:44 PM

My spoiler LED isn't working. I verified that the LED itself is good by using an alternate ground. I've traced my wires to what seems to be a factory connector at the driver's side tail light. I've scoured the Internet and it seems this "loose ground" isn't an uncommon problem for the spoiler LED, but I can't find exactly how to fix it.

Where is my loose ground and how do I fix it. Why do all other break lights work if I have a bad ground?

Anyone know if the "Brake Lamp" dashboard indicator light takes into account the spoiler LED. Mine and been on and I hope when I get this fixed it will go away.

slipknot95758 · 08-27-2007, 11:05 PM

no you will not get a dash light for the spoiler becas eleds dont give a continuity signal

rmelendez · 08-29-2007, 09:03 PM

So I got it fixed but my brake lamp is still on. The connector for the spoiler LED had a bad ground so I just snipped off the connector and connected it directly. Very glad my LED was still good.

slipknot95758 · 08-30-2007, 07:54 AM

so if you have a "brake lamp" indicator you have a bulb out, or possibly a bad sending relay.

now if it is just the light that say "brake" then you are probly low on break fluid

rmelendez · 09-02-2007, 03:56 PM

It is the "Brake Lamp" light for sure. I verified the two bulbs in the rear window break light are good. The two tail lights are good. The two small lights on either side of the rear bumper are good. So as far as I can tell all my bulbs are good.

What is this sending relay you speak of? Is there a FAQ about how to troubleshoot and fix it?

slipknot95758 · 09-02-2007, 05:28 PM

they are in the back of the tai lights inside. use a multi meter and check for continuity at the solders on the board, inside of the realy you will see a black rectangle with a copper coil when one of those relays doesnt get closed with the current of the bulb it will make the light go on. so check for continuity acorss it. if you dont whant to buy a new one you can solder a wire across it to make it think that it is there.

thats what i did to my dads 88 prelude when we took out hit 3rd break light when we added the spoiler.

rmelendez · 09-02-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipknot95758

they are in the back of the tai lights inside. use a multi meter and check for continuity at the solders on the board, inside of the realy you will see a black rectangle with a copper coil when one of those relays doesnt get closed with the current of the bulb it will make the light go on. so check for continuity acorss it. if you dont whant to buy a new one you can solder a wire across it to make it think that it is there.

thats what i did to my dads 88 prelude when we took out hit 3rd break light when we added the spoiler.

i don't have a multi meter. Maybe I can take it to autozone to have it tested or something?

So if I can just bypass the relay what is the point of having it. If I just bypass will that mean if my build does go out that my "brake lamp" light won't go on?

How many of these relays are there? 2 one in each tail light?

rmelendez · 09-02-2007, 07:23 PM

so nevermind, It turns out that a light in the rear window is dead. It sure didn't look like it until I removed of cover. Now if i can just figure out how to change the damn thing out.

rmelendez · 09-10-2007, 09:40 PM

So I replaced the rear window light and I'm still getting a brake lamp light. I broke down and bought a multimeter so I can test for continuity in the tail light relay.

First, I only have a relay in my driver's side tail light. The passenger side has a spot for one but does not. Should I have just one or two of these.

So if I can just bypass the relay with a wire what is the point of having it. If I just bypass will that mean if my build does go out that my "brake lamp" light won't go on?

slipknot,

I have my relay taken apart but i'm not sure how to test based on your directions. (I'm a noob) I've got 3 black rectangles with a copper coil like the one your describe. I do not have continuity across any of the coils. Should I have the relay connected while testing?

pbservano · 03-01-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmelendez

So I replaced the rear window light and I'm still getting a brake lamp light. I broke down and bought a multimeter so I can test for continuity in the tail light relay.

First, I only have a relay in my driver's side tail light. The passenger side has a spot for one but does not. Should I have just one or two of these.

So if I can just bypass the relay with a wire what is the point of having it. If I just bypass will that mean if my build does go out that my "brake lamp" light won't go on?

slipknot,

I have my relay taken apart but i'm not sure how to test based on your directions. (I'm a noob) I've got 3 black rectangles with a copper coil like the one your describe. I do not have continuity across any of the coils. Should I have the relay connected while testing?

I know this is a very old topic.... but I have to share this to this forum anyway... I had the same problem with the dashboard lamp indicator being lit even if all left and right rear brake lamps were new and are in good working order.... The black box can be located in the rear driver side tail light assembly. Remove this black box by disconnecting the connector attached to it. Then disassemble to access the circuit board. You have to jumper all four coil that you see in the circuit board by using a 18AWG wire. Solder the wire across the coils. Re-assemble and test. The lamp on the dashboard should be off. The system will be disabled, you just have to check the operation of your brake lamp every quarterly to ensure it is working just like the old days.....The lamp out indication on the dashboard is good if it is working.

sean1121 · 03-03-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbservano

I know this is a very old topic.... but I have to share this to this forum anyway... I had the same problem with the dashboard lamp indicator being lit even if all left and right rear brake lamps were new and are in good working order.... The black box can be located in the rear driver side tail light assembly. Remove this black box by disconnecting the connector attached to it. Then disassemble to access the circuit board. You have to jumper all four coil that you see in the circuit board by using a 18AWG wire. Solder the wire across the coils. Re-assemble and test. The lamp on the dashboard should be off. The system will be disabled, you just have to check the operation of your brake lamp every quarterly to ensure it is working just like the old days.....The lamp out indication on the dashboard is good if it is working.

Or the easier way:
Brake Lamp Check Circuit Bypass - NTPOG Forums