Buick Roadmaster: No Brake Lights / No High Beams - Part I

in this video I have a look at a 1995 Buick Roadmaster that a customer brought up from Florida. On the way up he realized it had no brake lights and the high beams would not turn on. Let's have a look shall we. -Enjoy!
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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@NoahTheFacts]

87 videos by my count since the pandemic started here nearly 8 months ago. I just want to thank you for the welcome distraction.

[@wms201]

Yes agreed 👊

[@TreyCook21]

"No rush on repairs!". Good thing you've got us to pester the crap out of you until it's finished!

[@flagmichael]

We are proud to serve!

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Crack that whip!😁

[@TreyCook21]

@@dizzy2020 Amen to that. "Hey, you get a chance to look at that?"

[@harryl7946]

“You done yet?”

[@rog8201]

Dang, and I thought my car was old. I do have 2.5x the mileage of that car though. Thanks again for bringing us along on another troubleshooting adventure. Always a blessing to learn from a true professional. Keep up the great work.

[@stallen1066]

Yeah, my wife said 'You don't get stuff done fast enough.'; I told her 'You don't need to nag me every 6-months'.

[@johnhubbard3399]

LOL mine too

[@Dirtyharry70585]

I was under the kids car last night and she told me Im doing it wrong from the doorway. I said yup your right. Now get inside and close the door. 🕶 Was done ten mins after that mostly picking up tools.

[@richardbambenek2601]

My wife said to me you are not as energetic as you used to be, to which I replied I wasn't 73 when you married me. I had the wisdom not to say the same about her. If I had I would be picking up my teeth with a broken arm.

[@CrimeVid]

Told my wife that every time she nagged me it put the job(whatever it was) back a month, I was quite safe....

[@markchidester6239]

Jason did a mighty fine job as backup camera man, so I believe a raise is in order

[@JohnnyTalia]

All that burnt wiring makes it a Buick Toastmaster.

[@markh.6687]

DING! You win 10 Internets!

[@edwatts9890]

I would have said, "Roastmaster"!

[@RM.....]

i noticed those crispy wires too

[@stanpatterson5033]

Don't know about this one with the crispy wiring, but a co-worker had one (the wagon version) and it cost him plenty every time he turned around. I took to calling it The Roadbastard.

[@throttlebottle5906]

@@edwatts9890 haha not seen video but start yet, but oh dear. what fool owned that and cooked it in a fire lol

[@tonyfremont]

You should look at the ignition switch while you're in there messing with the column. It likes to melt too, eventually you get a short and the magic smoke escapes.

[@milantrcka121]

Years of developing and troubleshooting electronics and electromechanical systems "learned" me: During development and prototype build - anything and everything goes, everything is suspect including the design. Once in service, the most likely suspect is a mechanical failure of electrical/electronics components and wiring - witness loose/bad/corroded and subsequently burned crimps, wires, and contacts, worn/bad connector contacts, broken/corroded/chafed wires mid-harness, and sometimes all of this a result of ham-fisted repairs. Kudos, Eric, for showing all of us how to approach troubleshooting! Large caliber parts guns safely stored in the armory.

[@cheo5673]

Saw the burnt wires early on the video, appreciate the diagrams explanations. That's the best learning curve. Elimination process!

[@jdtractorman7445]

6:55, I spy melted/black wires. Got to be a challenge working on these older vehicles, especially locating repair procedures/wiring diagrams. My dad used to have I believe a 1984/1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 royal brougham edition, it was a pretty nice riding car. Bought it used in either 85 or 86.

[@ShadoWave2]

Mother had a 93 Roadmaster, like sailing a yacht down the interstate... man I miss that thing

[@rubberhamburger]

Scotty Kilmer has completely lost his way and now only puts out content simply to make content and get views. You sir, are my new go to KZbin mechanic. Keep up the good work

[@aslamb6489]

Eric it is a good thing to watch you work on this ROADMASTER because I have one just like it 95 & everything that is why I say that & I did not know the HIGH BEAM SWITCH & THE TURN SIGNALS were on the same circuit in that car I learned a new one watching you thanks a million ERIC O

[@jeremymurphy7320]

My wife is a Buick fangirl from way back and I think she's owned five of them in her 49 yrs. My son, who just turned 17 and bought his first car, bought a 2003 Buick LeSabre with less than 100k on the clock. It's a great road tripper for sure.

[@chrixrimmington6630]

That is one pristine shed queen. Not even a spec of dust under that dash. Very nice. I would be proud to be the custodian of a vehicle like that.

[@pauldionne1665]

Love to watch, Sherlock (Mechanic of Auto) work his magic on electric. The logical process of looking for the problem is just AMAZING to watch. Part 2 will be just as fun to watch, can't wait. He makes it look elementary. What a PROFESSIONAL.

[@richard1835]

Thank you SMA. Always ready to learn more about Auto Electrical diagnosing and repairs. Thumbs up

[@steveeggert3940]

Your videos should be required viewing for every want to be tech. You have great diagnostic skills.

[@Chevyguy-Ray]

Best rule of thumb, check out the wiring for any anomalies. Eric nailed it again.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Better rule, look at a diagram, come up with a plan then work the plan, collect the data and make the call ;)

[@Chevyguy-Ray]

@@SouthMainAuto i missed a step, thanks Eric. 👍

[@billyyoder8171]

Thank you Dr O. Good job. Makes me miss my 78 Impala. Real steel floatin down the interstate. Have a blessed and safe week to you and your family.

[@nashstephenson1877]

I have a 96 Roadmaster Sedan. Its a lot of fun. Spins the tires like butter.

[@TrakSpock1]

@guss whu WRONG

[@nashstephenson1877]

I recently replaced the gear oil in the rear axle, no signs of wear or metal flakes. I believe the 8.5 inch 10 bolt can hold as much power as a 12 bolt.

[@_cadillacmiketyping...2533]

@guss whu yeah get one for your brain too lmaooo foh

[@MrTrip3ace]

I like these videos that have a huge list of issues.

[@christopherhylton8462]

I too love those old full size GM products of the 90's. Ride like a dream, everything was tried and true technology and very little ever went wrong with them. Those T/signal switches are not that bad to replace, even with the tilt columns (but I did cut my teeth on those 90's GM's). Just remember to affix a length of thin mechanic's wire to the electrical connector BEFORE pulling it up and out of the column.

[@loloberry5932]

Appreciate your troubleshooting skills. If I ever get an unsolvable car problem I’d drive to your shop to get’er fixed. Live in Colorado but what’s 1500 miles for good service.

[@freetolook3727]

NEVER, EVER tell a tradesman "take your time" or "when you get around to it" or "I'm not in a hurry" if you want it done in the same decade you live in.

[@thezombino6119]

Camera man don't need a pay raise, that'll be STUNTMAN

[@danr1920]

My '65 Corvair had brake light and turn signal issues, it was brass contacts in the steering wheel! The turn signal switch actually had parts available without replacing the whole unit. Replaced the cam and cleaned and bent a contact.

[@mikeaho4143]

Nice to see some "old school" repair.

[@steveo6631]

I approve of the videography... And, I am a sponsor... Thanks for your time and effort producing these videos... I think I've watched more SMA reruns than any other tv show....

[@flagmichael]

I noticed the toasted wire ends right away. I had so many old cars (I can't believe 1995 is 25 years old now!) that it was one of the usual problems, especially at the fuse panels. You hit it right on the head: not running high current through switches and all over the car is a huge improvement. In my 1971 Mercury Capri the headlight switch was a plastic rocker switch. One night it just came apart.

[@jdcunnington]

I have a '91 Caprice, and YES, these are nice highway cruisers. Treat them kindly and you can wring 26 mpg out of the 305 on the highway. It's been on blocks for 9 years now. I had hoped to get it out this year, but I found more body damage that occupied my time. Now that I work at a body shop, I may swing my attention to the mechanical end and do my work at the shop after hours.

[@greggdietz797]

I dunno, 25 years for the wiring to start to have issues. Most cars don't make it that long. Always love the videos!

[@Browningate]

Between the DTS and the Roadmaster, he's been getting some pretty interesting cars in lately. Fun times!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I love my 96 Roadmaster sedan with the LT1. It's got it's problems, but it's better than the new crap. Glad I watched this video. I learned some things about my car that I didn't know. And that's always a good thing

[@1SixpenceFan]

I have a 93 C1500 that burnt up two dimmer switches, on the third dimmer switch I replaced the connector that didn't really look bad, and never had another problem.

[@darrenstanley5244]

Gosh I love old classic GM wiring! Thanks for sharing this classic old gem, looking forward to the other repairs! Similar to my gramps old 89 s10 I’ve gotten on the road again.

[@compu85]

I never would have guessed the dimmer switch was down on the column, not at the end of the stalk near the steering wheel. I guess that explains the loosey-goosey feeling they have!

[@twiz8789]

Love these cars!! I have a 1996 Buick Roadmaster sedan with the big 5.7L V-8. For a Pennsylvania car its in excellent shape and gets 23-25mpg on the highway!! Had 95k (only paid $1200 with fresh state inspection good for a year) on it when I got it, 115k now. No issues other than window tracks on a couple windows.

[@shenanigansalv317]

I can't wait for more videos of this beautiful roadmaster I love it

[@MegaBbqbbq]

"Scoots along pretty good" , exactly what I said to you about my '14 CTS 3.6 Coupe a couple of months ago on my way home from vacation. Thanks for the T Mrs O.

[@richardl.993]

Looks like a nice car, love those big old boats

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video and diag - thank you! @6:29 when you were looking at the brake light switch I noticed there was a burnt wire and figured that was part of at least one of the problems (which turned out to be the high beam). SMA#1 God bless Paul (in MA)

[@SouthMainAuto]

Good call!

[@notajp]

I wondered if I was the only one who noticed that.... kept thinking, that don’t look right......

[@GregSr]

I have a 96 Impala SS which is the newer brother to the 95 Roadmonster. They're both built in Arlington Texas on the same assembly line. I bought my Impala new. It now has 312,000 miles. That rat's nest of wires under the dash looks familiar. Fortunately, with one exception, I have not had any issues under my dash. I did put a resistor in the circuit that reads the value in the key. Somewhere in the column the wire broke and the car would not crank. Thanks to the trusty internet, I figured out how to bypass the security circuit and simulate the resistance in my key. Anyway, I'm looking forward to your future videos where you do more work on the Buick.

[@jockodog2009]

Excellent diagnostics. I'll never drive another big boat like that again. (I drove a 65 Pontiac Catalina Station Wagon from SFO, all over BAJA, down to Cabo)

[@baxrok2.]

Oh yeah, she's a big beauty. Thanks Dr. O!

[@kastooMcFry]

Those are nice grampa cars - like driving a couch around.

[@crisprtalk6963]

complete with grandpa urine stains.

[@jimpantherdrivervickers5439]

All ya need is a old console tv and a stupid little dog and its just like grandmas house

[@thomasfletcher4765]

@@crisprtalk6963 from all the times grandpa went " pissin " around the hood ? 🤣🤣🤣

[@maingun07]

Got a 93 Caprice and in fact it was my grampa's last car before he passed in 94. My mother drove her for another 15 years before she whined enough for my dad to get her a new car and sold her to me. 240k and still going strong and in lower altitudes she still gets around 22 MPG. She's my go-to for a long road march. A hell of a lot more comfortable on a 1,000 mile trip than any of my trucks, that's for sure.

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

When the kids were little, we left home to drive 300 miles to my parents. We made it one mile down the road before the transmission blew up. We called a tow truck and my wife's grandfather; he drove his couch out to us, we transferred our things into it, drove him home, and then continued on to my parents for the weekend in pillowy cushioned luxury.

[@theimaginator16]

I'm so glad you're doing this series! I have a 93 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, so it's almost the same! It is also my backup car, and when the u-joints went, I told my mechanic to take his time. A month and a half later, it was finished! Lol

[@justthetip96]

Thank you for doing these Eric. I get a lot out of these.

[@raymondjacobs8429]

Eric, I was helping drive the Lady across the street with a 95 Le Sabra, 54000mi in Schenectady, you are right about the way the Car Floated down the road, had the 3800 in it. Fun to drive. It's still around.

[@petem6291]

Eric, you do nice work, One thing I found is if you move the tilt column up and down a few times and the turn signal starts to work, you have a pretty good idea that the turn signal switch is part of the problem. (quick little test)

[@chriholt]

Fun to see an old school car with old school wiring!

[@100Ronster]

I love driving those big old cars :)

[@neilmurphy845]

Wish the sold them in Ireland

[@michaelglynn2638]

Nice to know some things are better on modern cars!

[@lvsqcsl]

If that is a tilt column to change the multi-function switch you will need to collapse that spring under the locking mechanism. I think for that you will need a special tool. I didn't know GM still used a steering column that late in the game. On my Grand Marquis it is a 10 minute job. Great video!

[@Danzilly]

My aunt had one of these loved punching that lt1! Nice to see something older in for repair. Take care fella!

[@andyinmichigan9058]

really like your electrical diagnosis vids. yo helped me out on my '04 rand caravan. front right turn signal was wonky. bad ground problem and you did a video on a van with the same problem. thanks!!

[@spelunkerd]

Part 2 will be fun to watch. As much as we whine about the expense of new modules, old school repairs had parts to find, too.

[@flagmichael]

I never figured out where to get new connectors.

[@nealrehm6895]

Way to go, visual inspection! Now on to door locks.

[@IOwnCalculus]

Gotta love how that high beam connector looks like it's near identical to the one on my '70 C10 - just with an extra position that doesn't seem to be used.

[@DIYDaveOK]

Wow - I had a first-cousin to this car, a 1994 LeSabre. Same color, and had early version of the 3800 engine in it. Had it's troubles, but it was a decent road-sofa! Looking forward to later parts of this series. Thanks as always, Eric!.

[@Wildturkey10121]

I have a 98 f150 that is notorious for column wiring issues I feel your pain!!!!

[@klystron1]

Looking forward to part 2 , cool upload.

[@IBenZik]

A land yacht, you mean they moved the dimmer switch off the floor. :-) This total repair is going to be fun to watch!

[@billsmith2212]

Again , the visual inspection is one of the most important things to do before the parts cannon is fired . I can't imagine what some hacks would have done without going through a wiring diagram and tracing it out . Diagnose Dan had a BMW with a bad " antenna " in the door handle on the security system . It was a no start . A shop put in thousands of dollars of parts - including a steering column ! I can't understand how they get away with it . If it's above your level , pass it on . Better to annoy a customer than kill them forever . Great find . A pile of tools only makes you a parts changer . A brain = priceless .

[@pullimgsm]

Picked on the burned wires immediately. Used to looking for that type issue. Worked on mostly old stuff of all types before I retired.

[@wdhewson]

Nothing beats tight and well protected electrical connections , as seen...............

[@sat_sonic]

This is a good video series hope the parts come soon.

[@donegal2010able]

Man oh man that's some detective work right there. Impressive again

[@ypickering]

I just bought a 96 roadmaster. Love it. Please post more videos on this car! It would be awesome

[@kenkayiii]

I had a '96 with trailer tow option, higher gear-ratio'd rear-end....an absolute hot-rod...and 22-23 mpg...had 9C11 Caprice and two other Roadmasters, All LT1s....Still have two 96 Cadillac Broughams as I learned all the issues and fixes...in Montana, we have no rust and I expect these cars to go another 20 years.

[@rtunison7]

The white wire usually breaks off at the plug. Back in the late 90s, I had two different cars in one day (just a small shop) . I think most, if not all, of them had tilt wheel.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

That's the kind of stuff I work on that is worn out and not rusted away. Thanks for the video.

[@davidpotter7484]

I love old Chevy anything, fairly easy to find parts for. I drive a 85 8600# c20. They used that same system on everything from the time they introduced locking steering wheels. All mechanical switches.

[@PhillyDee215]

I had a similar wire issue today. 16' GMC Acadia I think it was....had a high psi fuel pump circuit code. When I did the ohms check on the pump I realized the wiring was barely in the connector....in short diagrams and visual is key😉

[@mikeberry304]

Nice to work on omder stuff for a change Eric, modern cars are nowadays very problematic as you now , take care and looking forward to the next video on it , same here in the uk

[@aussiebloke609]

Reminds me of my '89 Escort GT. I found out the hard way that there's no relays for the headlights, fog lights or high beam. Melted the switch in the dashboard, but at least it wasn't on a column stalk, so an easy replacement in the end. Then I added a couple of relays behind the lights - one for each high beam - and a fresh power feed and inline fuse. Probably overkill, but at least this way I knew it wouldn't melt the switch again.

[@gordonhenagar6652]

Those old terminals were designed in the 1960s or earlier and always gave trouble even under the dashboard like you found, you’re right about all that amperage in those circuits inside the car, it finds the problem areas.

[@samcripes3046]

Just got done with a SD video. On person comments was the more you learn the more you forget! Dames! Dang! And DARN!

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

Motivated me to work on my 93 Chevy 1500. Got a draw at the turn signal switch and have to replace. FYI, I too have a tilt column. Wasn't to bad to swap the switch out..

[@mitchs323]

My first thought when you said what the symptoms were, turn signal switch. I've changed a few of these when I was working and I agree, they're a pain in the a$$ to change.

[@jamesmcgraw9570]

I worked at a shop in texas in the early 2000's. The owner was into drag racing. He had a customer drop off a roadmaster with a specific group of upgrades. A few years later the FBI dropped by and asked what he did to the car. They could not catch it. It was in Florida.

[@99andrianmonk]

Thanks for bringing us along. Always learn something watching you diagnose issue(s). I do have a slight concern. Your last camera person (Ms. Marie) left to become a mechanic. Now Jason, a mechanic, is picking up camera responsibilities. What's happening at SMA?

[@francissager3133]

That car is not only more solid than any case produced today, I think it would win in a crash with my 2018 MCI bus. That is one comfortable tank of a car.

[@ouch1011]

This is back in the day when every GM used the same basic steering column and switch gear. I must have replaced about a billion of those switches. I think I even still have the tools to remove the steering lock somewhere, probably with a 1" thick (or 25.4mm for you metric types) layer of dust on it.

[@colintrout1095]

Yea those gm columns where on pretty much everything in the 80's early 90's my 1984 amc jeep cherokee has one. I can have it apart in about 3 mins. They where not very good against theft prevention.

[@filecabinet827]

Whenever I have a customer say “take your time” they call the next day and ask for an update.

[@billdursa4724]

Eric is so good people drive all the way from Fla. to get their vehicles repaired.

[@kenlandsman6289]

Take Your time... Maybe just means he's not in a hurry and maybe hoping you'll cut him a break as opposed to staying all night & charging over time. Wished I lived closer so you could work on my endless electrical night/daymare 2000 Yukon Denali. Your welcome & I'll continue watching - PS, Your Tips have helped immensely so Thank you back

[@danieldelpha1315]

Those era seats were so nice

[@nickv4073]

You made me think about my old 94 Lesabre. I really miss that car.

[@donaldisrael7147]

I really loved those roadmonsters.

[@ivanolsen7966]

11:22 that white switch looks to be NOT depressing all the way - over heated plastic .... am looking forward to a closer look at that ... many thanks from Bena, Victoria, Australia

[@kirbyyasha]

These were some of the best GM's ever made. Shame the junk they produce nowadays :(

[@kens97sto171]

I agree, I would say they were making pretty decent stuff up to about 2004. You could pick up a Buick LeSabre, or Roadmaster up to that point. Pretty solid powertrains still relatively easy to repair yourself. And they ride like a lazy boy on wheels which now that I'm old is very attractive to me. I've turned into my grandpa.. lol.

[@brand-x7049]

Only thing I hate about these cars is the OptiSpark ignition.

[@robinrousseau1087]

@@brand-x7049 YEY THAY DID SUCK.HAD TO REMOVE THE WATER PUMP.

[@coltonhurley2525]

Perfect car for your no mercy reversies lol. Love these cars for derby cars

[@SouthMainAuto]

True that!

[@brasolt04]

Friend has 95 lasabre he got for a 1000 bucks super comfortable just needed the the intake done on the 3800 now it runs like a champ and is super comfortable love buicks. I had 07 lacrosse with the 3800 i loved but a deer got her not as comfortable as the 95 though.

[@farmermiyagi1338]

I wish it worked that way at my shop. When a customer drops it at 4 pm and tells me to take my time, no hurry. I get a call about 8:15 the following morning: "have you found anything yet?" o.O

[@ouch1011]

I'm pretty that anyone who says "no rush" when they drop off their car is actually saying "I won't put down or look away from my phone until you call back."

[@baileydonahue7314]

I drive a 1991 Oldsmobile 98, very similar to this car I love it

[@drewscruis]

I'm guessing grandpa rode the brakes and left the high beams on all the time. Typical Florida driver....lol

[@stealthg35infiniti94]

Yeap, Yankee Transplants that come down to retire here in Florida driving like Miss Daisy with the purple hair.

[@notsureigaf]

@@stealthg35infiniti94 It's the Metro NY/Florida Retirement Special: 45mph in the left lane, blinding you with their brights after you get ahead of them.

[@neilmurphy845]

I bet the drivers on the road were very happy when the high beams were out

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Even notice that anytime something totally wack happens the newspaper article starts with the phrase: A Florida man.

[@nathanwoodruff9422]

I'm betting that instead of using the OEM lightbulb that someone plugged in a xenon bulb for the old guy to see better at night and the xenon bulbs pulled more current than the wiring could handle and eventually burned up the wiring. I would bet good money on that happening too.

[@Charles_Mulberry_7977]

@South Main Auto Repair LLC Your channel should be called the South Main Super Logical Auto Repair!

[@wayne998]

As a TV repairman for 40 years, I would agree that "No Hurry" is the wrong thing to say in electronics servicing as well.

[@keithstudly6071]

I liked the video. The new camera man is a keeper! One complaint. Six ads in a 12 min. video. Common KZbin!!!

[@danslickers8166]

Enjoy watching and learning from your videos. Have a question but has nothing to do with this video....... what was in the box from Astro a couple of weeks ago? Have I just missed it or has it not been opened yet? Thanks again for all your time and effort you put into the video’s.