Should be simple, I know. I didn't wire this car, so I'm just trying to figure out what is amiss. I have tail lights when I turn the lights on. I have both L/R turn signals. When I apply the brakes, only the p***enger side brake light works. There's two wires going to each tail light- constant (tail lights) and turn signal (signal and brake). So, the turn signal activates the bright filament, as does the brake. My confusion is this- if the turn signal and brake are the same wire, how can I have working drivers side signals, but no drivers side brake lights? What I THINK is wrong: I'm thinking maybe the p***enger side turn signal wire is the only one hooked up to the brake switch? Should I trace the brake wire that is not working and see if it is connected to the brake switch anywhere? There's some strange jumper wires going from the turn fuse to the stop fuse, not sure what that is but I'm afraid to mess with anything right now. Any ideas?
Strange --I have the same problem.I got a 48 stylemaster.I got new bulbs I will be put`n in this weekend.I will keep you posted if I make any progress w/ mine
No, your turn signal wires do not hook up to the brake switch. The brake switch connects to your turn signal so when you hit the brakes, both rear tail lights light up. When you hit the right or the left turn signal, the one side will blink while the other will light up when you hit the brakes. I would put a tester on the turn signal switch and see if you're getting power to the driver side when hitting the brakes. It could be that contact is working on the switch.
Had the same problem with a 56 chevy.I ran a ground from the light socket to the taillight frame and grounded it.Left it alone and works fine.
Bulbs aren't the problem. Both are new. It's the generic cheapy strap-on that mounts to the column. OK, that makes sense. I'll go check that right now. Thanks!
every thing runs thro the TS , but seeing the your turn s work . its in the wire or the brake switch .
Everything seems to be working fine at the switch. I have power to both sides when I apply the brakes. I guess I need to chase the wires from there... Thing is, I chased them once already and it's a continuous wire all the way back to the bulbs. I still don't get how I can have turn signals but not brake lights when it's the same wire.
Both tail lights are grounded. ??? I hate wiring glitches. And to think, I have to finish wiring an entire car (1954 Chevy) after I'm through with this.....
i had this same problem with my 57 chevy truck. drove me just about crazy. probably had 30 hours in 2 weeks messing with it. \wound up being a faulty turn signal switch in my steering column. everything would work fine, then 5 minutes later only one brake light, then 2 minutes later only the other side, etc. i say turn signal switch. leonard
If you happen to have another turn signal switch lying around, give that a shot. If that one works then the other is ****ped out.
***uming everything is wired correctly; brake light switch to the turn signal switch, then 2 wires from the turn signal switch going to the rear taillamps (also a flasher and some other details); It is most likely a dirty or loose contact in those cheap turn signal switches. pull the case apart, clean, and use some contact grease.
Like nico32 and j-lopy kid said; Power wire to one side of brake switch, then one signal wire from brake switch to turn signal switch, then two wires from turn signal switch go to each brake light bulb. Just have to figure out which wires go where Look at from the turn signal switch only and ***ume you have some wires going to the wrong place. There's three wires on the turn signal switch whose function it for the brake/turn signals. One of them goes to the brake switch. You might have the wrong one going there............. You will only have to try it twice. Switch the wires and try it.
I had the same problem with my Poncho, it was the turn signal switch. New switch problem gone, it was a worn contact on the left side of the switch. I am sure a Stant or similar quality switch will solve your problem. Spend the dough and be safe, avoid ticket, all good! hope that helps
just had a similar problem.... toggle turn signal switch; brake lights run through the switch, brakes don't work with the lights turned on, left side only. Found the bulb was not seated to the socket all the way causing a short, some new tailights are cheap quality, re-checked the bulb connection and socket and viola problem solved. check the socket...
I hope thats all it will take to fix mine,my car sat for a very long time,stored away for who knows how long,lots of dry rotted bushings, corroded light bulbs for the dash,cracked wire housing ext,got some of that electrode grease going to use that on the new bulbs,if that doesn't work,going to the switch on the column like others have suggested
The Jalopy Journal
