So it seems every time my 2003 Conversion van is in the rain, it causes a weird electrical problem to happen.

When I turn on the right turn signal the dashboard dims and gets bright with each blink. The back break lights both blink (like they are hazards).

When I turn on my lights the dash board lights up and dims each time I push the breaks. I don't think the break lights work.

When it dries out, I can pull out and put back in one of the fuses. I think it might be #15. But I'm not sure.

I've taken it to some wire people and they can't figure it out.

Any thoughts?

Thank you very much!
Sage

 

I'd have to say that somewhere the wiring harness is rubbing and the insulation has been worn off multiple wires within the bundle. Where is the big question. It would obviously have to be a place that gets wet from the rain.

 

1. Do you have the correct bulbs in the brake light sockets?

2. Are the bulbs nested in their sockets with electrical bulb grease to keep out the moisture?

3. Is the underhood fuse box cover cracked or allowing water in?

4. Wires to the brake bulb sockets could be worn in a spot. (Like Alloro said)

The brake bulbs are your issue here. My 1976 Aspen had this same issue.

 

Those are both really good thoughts.

Stev - I might have not discussed the whole problem thoroughly. When I have my headlights on, the dashboard lights do not come on. However, the radio numbers and odometer numbers are bright. But when I push my brake, the radio numbers and odometer numbers dim and then the dash lights come on (like they should when the headlights are on).

Based on that, do you still think it's the brake lights?

Thank you both very much!
Sage

 

When you apply the brakes, the power from the brake circuit backfeeds into the parking light circuit and lights up the dash. For that to happen you either have a damaged wiring harness as earlier suggested, or it's backfeeding through the taillight/brakelight bulbs. Another strong possibility is that you have a significant loss of ground to the body/frame of the vehicle.

 

That's incredibly helpful.

Thank you all VERY much!
Sage