Brake lights don't work
 

I have no brake lights. Tested bulbs and tested the brake switch. Both good. I have voltage on the wire going to the brake switch. If I turn on the emergency flashers ,they flash front but nothing totherear.If I short out the brake switch light with the emergency flashers on the fronts stay light(not flashing)but still nothing at allto the backs.Obviously there is no voltage to the rear bulbs. So how should I proceed to find the problem????????????

RE: Brake lights don't work
 

The trick is to get voltage out of the brake switch. Pull the connector off the brake switch and stick in a jumper in the connector (a paper clip will work) and check the brakes. If no luck there, you got a problem in the turn signal switch. There is another jumper trick you can try to localize the problem by disconnecting the connector that goes up the steering column and taking a known hot (from the disconnected brake switch) and sticking the other end with a probe into either the orange-blue stripe (RH brake) or orange- yellow stripe (LH brake) in the connector that goes to the car. If that works, it's pull the steering wheel and column time (replace the cable/switch assembly).
Jim

RE: Brake lights don't work
 

Thanks 66GTKFB.
I tracked all my wiring good, right up to the turn signal switch.
This past winter I replaced the Turn signal cam with a kit. I remembered that when I was putting it back together a thin metal strip was left over. Thank God I kept it.That metal jumper strip fits in there sideways under the cam. Brakelights now work.

RE: Brake lights don't work
 

An exception to the rule - 'parts left out are not subject to failure'.
Jim

RE: Brake lights don't work
 

Makes you want to slap yourself up side the head and call yourself a DA doesn't it? Been there, done that. Glad you got her fixed though.

RE: Brake lights don't work
 

sweet .... left over parts :-)
I'd never have solved this one ...

Kalli

RE: Brake lights don't work
 

There's another approach that sometimes works - 'when in doubt (or 'if all else fails'), read the instructions'. But that only works if you can read. That's not directed at any of the other posters in this thread.
Jim

RE: Brake lights don't work
 

reading manuals is for cowards only:D

RE: Brake lights don't work
 

That's why auto shops make so much money. They figured out a way to profit on ignorance, fear and superstition.
Jim