Rep Power: 0

We have a 1990 DX that has a problem with the sidemarker control. Apparently this car was set up to run the sidemarker lights whenever the engine is running, (something I never liked). But now the sidemarkers don't come on at all while the engine is running. I can turn them on when the engine is off with the switch, but as soon as we start the car they go out. We have a chiltons manual that makes only one reference to what they call a "side mark control module".
If that "module" is the problem, I would really like some advise on how to locate an identify this little piece of ---- an just run the sidemarker lights with the regular switch........can anyone advise who has tangled with this same problem?

Thanx,
KylesDad

 
Rep Power: 230

I am not quite sure whether that gen came with side markers from factory or not, but if you are desperate to figure it out pop the side markers out, which may require taking the fender off, and look for how it is wired. If you have no experience with electrical stuff, maybe a member close by, or a friend with knowledge would be able to help you out. See if you can find the wires coming from the switch as that maybe slightly easier.

 
Rep Power: 0

I don't think I'm naming this situation properly. Since I registered there seems to be alot todo about adding sidemarkers to these cars. To clarify, what I am talking about are the running lights or corner markers as some may call them.
It would be the light circuit powering the dimmer tail light filaments and the small bulbs in the front corners, all independent of turn signal, brake, or hazard lights.

 
Rep Power: 812

i would take them off and see if there is anything wrong with the wiring. could be an aftermarket device gone bad. if you see extra wires tapped on, trace them or just disconnect and rewire to factory specs.

 
Rep Power: 230

Ok I think you are refering to the parking lights then if my last post doesn't fit your problem. Are the lights you are refering to part of the headlights themselves or are they positioned on the fenders? If you can take pictures as to clarify, it would help solve the problem as well.

If they are aftermarket its not much we can help you with as you would have to follow all of the wire for the lights. Now if it's an OEM device acting like that we can help trouble shoot that better. But please, try to get pictures so we are all on the same page and we can go from there.

 
Rep Power: 0

parking lights would be the proper term for what I'm talking about.....without a doubt. There is nothing aftermarket about these lights. The only thing not factory stock on this car is the radio.
I was digging around under the dash trying to find anything obvious, checking fuses, including those in the block under the hood, while turning on the parking lights with the switch. As I mentioned before, I can get them to come on with the switch if the car is not running, but soon as the ignition is keyed an the accessory circuit is on, they go out no matter what position the light switch is in. This has todo with that "always on" feature that this car always had.
When we bought the car used, we realized that the bulbs in all the parking light sockets had to be replaced because they were burnt out.

I how this clarifies and thanx for your input so far.

Kylesdad

 
Rep Power: 0

OK, here are pics of the parking lights in question.
the first 2 pics, we are pointing at the lights that should be on. the car is running an the light switch is on.
the second 2 pics show th e lights on with the switch on an the car shut down.

These lights always came on when the car was started no matter where the switch was before this problem began.

 
Rep Power: 812

sounds ignition related too since its dependent on whether the car is on or off. something happened to thw wiring i bet. check the wires behind the corner lens and also under the dash near the steering wheel to see if you spot unusual things.

 
Rep Power: 0

we couldnt find anything strange looking in the wiring. I do agree that the ignition circuit is a suspect. The natural part of this light circuit works fine until the ignition switch is keyed on.

While I was checking, I found the fuse that controls these lights under the dash an tested the voltage. The interrupt in power happens before the fuse. I found an open accessory power terminal right there on the block close, so I put in a jumper between that an the lights end of the fuse terminal and now we have lights again when the car is running. The original light switch doesn't have any control of them anymore, but we're legal an safe again. We're going to enhance the jumper with an inline fuse and an auxiliary switch to protect the circuit and have control again and call this problem solved.

I really appreciate all your advice.

KylesDad

 
Rep Power: 230

Really glad that you figured it out. Do you know was causing it, like what the part is? I have always been under the impression that the parking lights were seperate of all circuits except the one for when you have the key in the ignition, so when you take your key out, it chimes at you. Maybe it was just a relay, but that still doesn't make sense as to why it would be tired in with the ignition switch.

More pictures are due .

 
Rep Power: 367

sounds like a canadian car equipped with daytime running lights gone wrong...
I am just trying to install an aftermarket one on my 02 and struggling...