Brake Lights - 1 Dim / 1 Bright

[Dave Z]

Noticed yesterday (reflected in a chrome bumper) that my driver's side brake light appeared brighter than the passenger side. Once home, I confirmed this. When the brake is applied, both get brighter, but the driver's side is much brighter. I believe this to be a new problem as last year (June 04) during safety inspection I was out of the car standing at the rear when the brake lights were being inspected. No difference in brightness at that time. Tried the regular lights, and the illumination appears equal. This seems to be only the brake lights.
Are there separate bulbs for brake lights? Maybe a simple bulb problem, or potential ground issue?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Yoda]

Dave,

I bet on the "ground issue"

It could be the bulb not seated snug or making good contact, but grounds have a way of sneaking up on our older Corvettes and causing problems. Going from memory here but I think the brake bulb is dual element 1157 bulb.

Bud

 

[Dave Z]

I'm hoping against hope it's not a ground issue, but you're right about these things sneaking up in the older Vettes. The dual element bulb is where I'll start. I actually didn't know they were duals. A few months ago, I purchased a complete light set from Corvette America. So far, have replaced all the dash and interior light (everything works too). The set did come with exterior bulbs, so that will be the next logical and easiest fix for this. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Yoda]

Dave,

Be sure to check both bulbs, right and left side "burnish" the contact surface of the bulb and socket.

Bud

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

Dave,

Be sure to check both bulbs, right and left side "burnish" the contact surface of the bulb and socket.

Bud

Switch your bulbs from left to right and see if your problem moves with the bulb....if so it's the bulb....if not it is a grounding problem at the socket.....push on your emergency flashers and see if the bulbs are the same...if not the problem could be in your turn signal switch....the brake lights are seperate from the turnsignal switch back to the rear light assy.

Mike

 

[Mr. Chuck]

Other negative aspects related to bulbs that could cause reduced brightness are: Check both contacts on the bulb end, a good lead contact should be dome shaped, older lamp contacts may flaten out from prolonged socket spring pressure. Also Check the socket contacts are clean, no rust or corrosion which acts to reduce full voltage/current seen across the lamp filaments. Additionally check the socket contact base for a weak spring and/or freedom of movement. The brake filament (brighter) draws more current and would be more senstive to high resistance contact problems. These socket checks would be more indicated if switching lamps from side to side and the problem remains.