Check panel finally works, but what does this mean?

[GraphicRage]

I finally sorted out my check light issue, it was a bad check panel. Installed the new one, all works fine.

While driving yesterday, finally saw it in action. Check light started flashing so I pressed the check button on the panel, and the brake light stayed illuminated. When I got home, I checked all the brake lights, and none were out. I turned off the car, turned it back on, and the brake light on check panel is no longer on.

Hmm.

Momentary short? Anyone have any ideas what to check? I do have running lights on the car, not sure what they're hooked into, but one is fubarred, so I was thinking maybe that is hooked into the brake lights and it shorted out for a minute?

[JAM]

that happens to me everytime i start the car

just push the brakes down and it goes off :gotme:

[gearheadE30]

I think the bulbs have to have the bronze-colored base. The silver one doesn't have enough resistance or something for the panel to see it. Or maybe it is the other way around.

[jlevie]

I think the bulbs have to have the bronze-colored base. The silver one doesn't have enough resistance or something for the panel to see it. Or maybe it is the other way around.

It is the other way. The brass-base bulbs are a no-no because the brass will oxidize and cause an increase in resistance, thus triggering the warning. Also aged bulbs or corrosion of the bulb sockets will cause nuisance warnings. If the glass envelope is darkened, replace the bulb.

Another common cause of the warning is a failing brake light switch.

[GraphicRage]

Sounds good, I'll check all the bulbs out and see what the story is. Any idea why it would have triggered back off though? I drove again last night for another hour or so and it never triggered back on again.