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I drove the '66 on Friday and had a few people temm me the right side brake light was out. I assumed it would be the bulb, but when I tested I found the low (parking) light was good, and the bright (turn signal) was good. But the brake light did not work. I assumed that there would be a left and right wire from the brake light switch, but the white and orange wires (according to my wiring diagram) are not left and right.
I assume that this means that even though the right light flashes with the switch, the brake circuit is different? I'll pull the steering wheel and check what I can.
If your description is completely accurate, the contact in the turn signal switch is all it can be. If the left brake light works, that eliminates the brake switch and supply. If the tail light (what you described as "park light") works on that side, that eliminates the ground. If the turn signal works on that side, that eliminates the wiring, bulb, socket, and ground. Here's a picture with an arrow showing you which contact is not making inside the turn signal switch. Just as a quick test, turn OFF the ignition, put the turn signal switch in the center, have someone watch or get where you can see if the brake light comes on. Now step on the brake and hold it down. If that side brake light is not on, move the turn signal up and down and watch that light. If it flickers or comes on in any position of the turn signal range (again, with key OFF), then that verifies a bad connection in the turn signal switch for sure.
If your description is completely accurate, the contact in the turn signal switch is all it can be. If the left brake light works, that eliminates the brake switch and supply. If the tail light (what you described as "park light") works on that side, that eliminates the ground. If the turn signal works on that side, that eliminates the wiring, bulb, socket, and ground. Here's a picture with an arrow showing you which contact is not making inside the turn signal switch. Just as a quick test, turn OFF the ignition, put the turn signal switch in the center, have someone watch or get where you can see if the brake light comes on. Now step on the brake and hold it down. If that side brake light is not on, move the turn signal up and down and watch that light. If it flickers or comes on in any position of the turn signal range (again, with key OFF), then that verifies a bad connection in the turn signal switch for sure.
Great instructions. I'll try that this weekend and hopefully be able to R&R the switch unless it's physically broken.
Guess what happened? I went to the car with the printout of the instructions, ready to diagnose and repair the problem. Tapped the brake pedal and everything is fine. I'll hold on to the instructions for next time...
Jack (65GGvert) has provided the probable issue. If your turn signal switch is original it may need a simple cleaning, especially since it's started working again. Intermittent problems are always the most difficult to fix.
I'm not sure how he does it but the edited picture Jack put up tells the tale perfectly.
Mine did the same thing years ago. Mine was intermittent! Try wiggling the turn signal arm.
I ended up using needle nose pliers and made adjustments to the internal metal spring in the turn signal switch.
66GGvert loves that turn signal picture. Sure helped me solve my problem/problems and understanding the circuitry. I read another post where the pic was shared. Must be a common problem. BTW, I bought a new turn signal switch after bending metal to get it to work. In the long run, I think it was money well spent.
10-15-2019, 05:55 PM
Brake Light Wiring Question
