I have a 96 eclipse that I'm fixing up. We have gotten it running and are just trying to get all the little things straightened out now and I need to know how to fix something:

Even when the key is not in the ignition at all and the lights are turned "off" on the switch, the tail lights are still on. Also, the blinkers and brake lights aren't working. All the bulbs are good and work...where should i start?!

 

It is entirely possible that your brake pedal switch is stuck, so it keeps the circuit constantly open to light up your brake lights as if you were pushing the brake pedal. I have a friend whos lights frequently kill his battery because of this.

As far as blinkers, do you get the fast blinking on the dash, and quick relays? It could be a bad fuse possibly.

 

Thanks. I did not think about that. it is the brake lights that are on. and one of the back brakes is locked up at the moment, so that may be it. ill check it out!

 

Is the pedal itself pushed down at all? If it was just the switch sticking, it wouldnt actually effect your brake physically, it would just keep the light on. As far as the brake goes, is it a drum or disc? if its a disc, then I would recommend removing the caliper and separating it. When you have the two bolts out of the caliper, the should have grease on them. Chances are, the grease is no longer there, or at least enough to move the caliper.get some grease and coat the threaded part of the bolts. As you slide the bolts back in, the grease will travel up the rest of the bolt and coat it as well. The caliper should now be able to open and close depending on the break pressure.

 

its drum brakes. my husband is outside right now switching them out with ones of off our parts car. the car had just sat too long and it had rusted up. we havent really messed with the ight situation yet...trying to get the car rolling first. lol.

 

Hahaha I know the feeling about tryin to get it rolling. Ive had my eclipse for just over a year and still havent taken her out to the streets. I racked up some fines but theyre paid off, I just gotta retake my diving test and get my license back. Then I can register my eclipse and take her out.

I would definitely recommend in the future changing over to disc brakes, theyre a lot easier to maintain than the drums. Especially mine, since mine was produced in 9/94 and they changed the drum setup in 1/95, so I cant get the original drum anymore.