brake lights

[sandman90]

I finally lost it and cut the trailer socket out and started from scratch.Everything works now but the brake lights,any ideas,sorry to be a pita,told ya I was a idiot when it comes to electricity. Thanks Sandman90

 

[Rons beast]

Check first if there is power in and out of the brakelight switch with the pedal depressed.

 

[sandman90]

ok thanks that is a starting point anyhow

 

[Bully Bob]

"...and cut the trailer socket out."

Yep.., this is one of several "previous owner(s)", Rube Goldberg, Jerry rigged wiring issues we find.

I've removed several "trailer lighting plugs".. :angry:

"...and started from scratch."

Not sure what this includes...

"Everything works now but the brake lights."

Were they working B/4 the socket removal.?

Do the rear turn-signals left & right light up when activated..?

 

[sandman90]

yes,with the use or s test light I started twisting wires together,all went well till it came to the brake lights,just can't figure them out. I can't call the PO and ask him what the **** he did I got the truck at an estate sale,be one heck of a long distance call.Even under the dash there is a hot wire running from the brake light switch to the horn{button on dash} and every were he made a connection he used those little blue connectors with the metal slider you squeeze with pliers.Also there was a plug on the left side of the frame over the gas tank,I also cut this out and that is how I got all the lights working I have now. Does anybody, an electrican maybe? have any ideas. I need some help the old girl has to go through inspection the end of the month.

 

[Rons beast]

Hey Sandman,

You have my sympathies.

You don't need an electrician. Home wiring is nothing like car wiring.

You need to get a wiring diagram for your rig. A haynes manual would be a good start.

If the PO carved up the wires it's almost impossible to tell you what needs to be done.

A wiring diagram and patience is what you need ....or a trip to a good shop and a warm checkbook.

get a wiring diagram and let's go from there.

BTW: IS there power in and out of the brake light switch?

Good Luck

 

[Bully Bob]

What Ron said.., 'plus'... I'm not a big fan of those "smash-the-ends" crimping connector tools either.

However.., the crimper that presses a "dimple" in the connector is pretty good.

I can tell you the pass. side turn/brake wire is green. The driver side is brown.

This isn't "laid in concrete" as mine is a 1966 and the wire colors may have changed over the yrs.

 

[sandman90]

well I spent the best part of an hour standing on my head under the dash with a test lite It didn't matter if the brake pedal was depressed or not it still lite up.So I did what you guys said and took the horn curcuit off the brakes .same results.Would that suggest a bad brake light swjtch?

Sandman90

 

[Rons beast]

Hey SM,

"It didn't matter if the brake pedal was depressed or not it still lite up."....can you explane that? Is there power into the brake switch? yes or no?

Is there power out of the switch when the pedal is depressed? yes or no?

 

[sandman90]

yes,it didn't matter if the pedal was depressed or not the test light still came on,I don't know what to do next. Unless I spend alot of money I don;t have and take it to a shop in the aera.

 

[Rons beast]

If there is power in and out of the Brake light switch even when the pedal is not depressed. The switch needs adjusted or replaced.

If that is case, and your brake lights still do not come on then you need to dillegently trace the wiring out of the switch.

Again you need a wiring diagram, as I do not know what color wires are indigenous to your year truck. There should be a wire from the brake switch (out of the switch...IE energised only when the switch is depressed) that goes to the Turn signal switch. From there the wires go to the real lights to be energised for turn signal or brake lights.

Good Luck

 

[sandman90]

I have never heard of adjusting the brake light switch. Is it possible that I am checking the wrong place with the test light.

I put the probe on the metal tab hanging off the plug,is this correct,if not where should I be checking.

 

[Rons beast]

It may be you are checking the wrong thing. a pic of what your checking would help.

Check these pics....

 

[sandman90]

sorry for the delay but I don't have a camera phone just the basics. If you could would you send the pictures again showing where I should be checking with the test light. I know i'm a PITA.

 

[Rons beast]

Hey Sandman,

Here are some pics of where to check the wires on the brake light switch.

The yellow box shows a small bit of the metalic contact showing. The tip of the test light is on there, and you should only have power when the brake pedal is depressed. If there is power there all the time the switch is bad or the wires were shorted and melted together somewhere.

On other thought...if the switch is bad or the wires got melted together, it could be possible that the bulbs are burned out from constant voltage. It's a long shot, but weird things happen.

I still think you should get a wiring diagram...then get a wiring diagram, and if you cant find one , get a wiring diagram. Finally get a wiring diagram.

Can anybody else on the forum help with a wiring diagram?

SandM what year do you have there?

 

[sandman90]

I have a 76 but thanks anyway,.think while I look for a wiring diagram I am going to change the switch,they're inexpensive.

 

[sandman90]

FINALLY FOUND A WIRING DIAGRAM!!! This should be easier I got a road mop. Thanks,sorry for being a PITA.I found the wiring diagram on SuperMorts.net

 

[Rons beast]

Excelent!

 

[Bully Bob]

SuperMorts.net

Not a valid site....., Do you have the correct spelling..? >< <'>