Bad ground or is it normal?

[jak133]

Hey all, was putting taillights back on after paint and while checking them with key turned to on position (engine not running) pressed brake pedal and radio cut out but lights work. With engine running radio does not cut out, whats going on here?

[baz]

sure sounds like a bad ground

[jak133]

Originally Posted by baz sure sounds like a bad ground

Thanks Baz, electrics are not my specialty. Where do I start ignition, brake system, or lights?

[markandson]

One other possibility. If you have a new radio it may have low voltage protection circuitry. Without the car running you may cause a low voltage condition when the brake lights come on, just a thought.

[jak133]

Originally Posted by markandson One other possibility. If you have a new radio it may have low voltage protection circuitry. Without the car running you may cause a low voltage condition when the brake lights come on, just a thought.

Never thought about that, it is new radio and everything seems to work fine.

[First opel 1981]

Originally Posted by jak133 Never thought about that, it is new radio and everything seems to work fine.

To test this theory you can hook up a battery charger (or jumper cables) to your battery and try again.