No break lights... HELP

I have no break lights. I have checked almost every fuse there is on the car. The third break light works, and the bulbs are good for the break lights, but they don't come on. Has anyone had this happen to them and if so what is causing this? Thanks.

If the third brake light works then your fuse is O.K. and chances are the brake light switch is O.K.
Try turning on the Hazard Light Switch and see what happens.
Do the front and back lights flash?
Feel how the switch works, does it click with a positive feel to it or is it limp.
A bad turn/ Hazard switch can cause this problem, as well as a bad wire, connector corrosion or bad ground which will require some more in depth troubleshooting.
Do the left and right turn signals in the back of car work when you try the multifunction switch, if not, possible bad multifunction switch.

I will go test and get back with an answer. Thank you for the prompt response.

hazard switch is stuck. Any idea on how I get to it? Thanks once again.

I've never replaced one on a Riv, but shouldn't be too different than most vehicles.
Remove screws from bottom plastic piece that's wrapped around steering column, screws go from bottom - up and you may have to push tilt button and adjust position of steering column to allow removal of upper plastic piece that has switch in it.
Unless someone else has actually removed theirs and can tell you exactly, all I can do is give you a place to start and you'll have to figure it out as you go. Sorry.
Rick

1) Brandon, you are a newbie. You need to tell us why you think the brake lights quit working. Is it the case that you have had the car a while and they quit for some reason, or you just got the car and the brake lights were not working when you got it. This will help us help you.

2) Rick is probably right.

3) You ought to get yourself a test meter - a $10 to $20 meter from Radio Shack, and auto paorts store or WalMart will work fine. Before you replace a bunch of stuff (the switch or whatever) you should test the stuff.

Albertj

Albertj, I am a newbie to the riveria, but not to cars. I am well aware what needs to be done as var as using a volt meter. Thanks rick.

You are welcome and thanks for the correction.

While you are at it, would you mind telling us why you think the brake lights quit, or if you just got the car and the lights were already not working when you got it. Again, this information will help us help you.

Albertj

In my experience with late 90s Buicks, as long as there isn't a short/blown fuse, brake light failure is the multifunction switch, and you do have to pull the steering wheel to get the switch out. Do the turn signals still work?

no they do not. I am taking it into the shop on monday. Thanks everyone.

I went to the dealer and they said the switch was like 700 bucks. wow.

That's BS, I'm sure an independent shop would do the job for much less.
How much is the part ? If it's extremely expensive order used from Morad's and have a smaller shop do the install.
I'm assuming what they quoted you was parts and labor. Yes/No ?

OK I get it. Sorry Brandon, I was slow to get what's going on.

Problem is that on these cars the hazard switch is part of the multifunction (turn signal, headlamp hi/lo, cruise) switch module.

What year is your riv? '97-on thp P/N is 26052428, gmpartsdirect price $324.30, list price is $623.68...

Again Rick is right. I woud get a replacement for the multifunction swicth from Ed Morad (or an auto recycler nearer you) and use an independent shop for the install. While the independent is in there with the column apart they can re-tighten and put loctite on the screws in there that typically loosen over time on the tilt mechanism, maybe. Do 'search' on this site to find Morad - or look for buick riviera parts on eBay and Morad will be one of the sellers.

Albertj

That price wasn't with labor. Just the part. I called my local Advance Auto Parts, and they have a delco for 350. Can I get a link to one of these used car places? Thanks guys.

www.moradpartscompany.com

Phone #216-671-3736
M-F 9am-6:30pm EST

nothing on morads. Damn.

You need to call them, ask for Eric, he's always been very helpful to me.
They don't post everything they have on the website.

Alright. Thanks again rick.