95 avy problem

[Heavy_D]

ight since my 3rd brake light hasnt been working for a long time, for some reason, my car keeps shutting off, and having no power at all, no lights will light up, i just changed the bat yesterday with a high power bat, if i turn on the light the car will shut off, it will only happen once and a while, im also guessing my 3rd brake light wire is burnt up some where cause i tried over 3 light bulbs and they dont light up, but i get power from the fuse box, but no power at the 3rd brake light, do you guys thing my power keeps acting up cause of the 3rd brake light or is the alt going away? this is the first time that is happening, and some times if i hit the brake it will dim down too

[toyomoho]

Does the engine die or your light problems only occur when the brake is pushed?

Any lights work with the engine off, if not you have a battery problem or issue with the battery cable or cars wiring. Have you checked the battery cable and terminals for corrosion?

Use a volt meter to check for power at the 3rd brake light socket. Check for power between the two socket terminals and also between the hot wire and chassis ground.

If the other brake lights work you have a problem with the 3rd brake light wiring or socket.

[aznstylez]

have you check the alternator to see if it's still good?

[Jigg007]

Yeah, sounds like a battery problem. If the battery is shot, (and what sounds in this instance, almost removed from the system) Then I could see this problem happening.

The battery acts as a voltage buffer. without it, putting the headlights on draws too quick of a load on the alternator, causing voltage to drop to the point where the ingnition system and computer can't function anymore.

Though if you're able to start the car, the current to fire headlights is only half that.

Make sure the battery clamps are clean, and the new batteries posts too. (Define high power battery, I sure hope not a 16V)

I had a similar problem, I would be driving at night, and hitting the brakes would cause all the lights to dim really badly. Turns out the clamp wasn't tightened down on the post enough.