Where Is The Bad Bulb?

[pmerriman]

My idiot light on the dash won't stop telling me that I have a bad light bulb somewhere.

However, I have checked all the bulbs inside and out and even replaced a few like the rear seat overhead light and the glove box light.

Checked the rear license lights, the tail lights, the brake lights.........

What else is on that darn test circuit?

[mbzman]

The bulb warning system is only for exterior lights. Double check all the side marker lights.

[Ferdman]

pmerriman, check for flat spots on the base of functioning brake lamps. Replace any lamps with flat spots and that should resolve the lamp warning light issue.

[compu_85]

Don't forget to check the license plate lights too.

[emerydc8]

Also, just because a bulb fits and works doesn't mean it is the right bulb. Make sure you have the correct bulb for each position or you could get an indication that a light is not working.

[deanyel]

Remember there are 3 brake lights including the high center mount. Does the warning light come on a) when you start the car, or b) when you hit the brake peddle, or c) when you turn on the lights?

[compu_85]

If there is a failed brake lamp the warning indicator will say on until you turn the key off. Same with a turn signal. For the other lamps the warning goes out when you switch the lamp off.

-J

[ILUVMILS]

Replace any bulbs that appear dark/discolored.

[francotirador]

Originally Posted by pmerriman

My idiot light on the dash won't stop telling me that I have a bad light bulb somewhere.

However, I have checked all the bulbs inside and out and even replaced a few like the rear seat overhead light and the glove box light.

Checked the rear license lights, the tail lights, the brake lights.........

What else is on that darn test circuit?

Very coincidental that you should post this question today. I was having the same problem and could not find the culprit bulb(s). So, I ordered quantities of every bulb that the car uses. They were just delivered yesterday and I was going to change them all today. However, before swapping all of the bulbs, I found that the bad bulb was in the 3rd brake lamp.

When I started the car the dummy light on the dash wasn't illuminated. Then I turned on the headlamps and it still didn't illuminate. Finally, I depressed the brake pedal and the dummy light illuminated. I got a helper to depress the brake pedal while I checked the rear lamps. I found the bulb in the 3rd brake lamp was toast. I changed it and the dummy light is finally off.

Am I talking too much?

[pmerriman]

Seems that my dash light is always on from start up to shut down no matter what I have turned on or off. Knowing that it only checks for exterior bulbs is a help. I'll check the 3rd (center brake light) again. I do have a cracked front headlamp (small stone chip) but the headlamp works in both hi/lo beams just fine.

[mespe]

If the idiot light illuminates when the service brake is applied, it is a brake light. If the idiot light illuminates when the headlights are turned on, it's either a headlight or tail light.

Also check for corrosion on the contacts. A corroded contact the bulb may still light up, but the sensing circuit doesn't detect it. And check for a corrode ground on the tail lights.