Brake lights NOT working - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71sub · 05-25-2003, 11:26 PM

Rear tail lights work when ALL lights are on, and turn signals work on both rear tail lights, individually .... as do hazards.

BUT brake lights won't work when I step on pedal. I've replaced the brake pedal switch w/o any luck.

I know the pedal switch is working 'cuz when brake not pressed, the white lead is not hot AND when brake pedal pressed it is hot. The orange lead is always hot.

What am I missing ?

Longhorn Man · 05-25-2003, 11:35 PM

The power goes from there up to your turn signal switch. Try wiggling the turn signal lever as you have your foot on the pedal. If the brake lights come on, or flicker...time to replace the turn signal switch. Might be just as easy to replace the column...maybe even a tilt out of a van.

da-burb · 05-26-2003, 10:19 AM

Then it is time to start checking at each connection block. If this is in the sub. There is one right above the gas pedal, then the wires run up the drivers side A pillar to the rear drivers corner. Just behind the taillight is the rear harness plug. If you have the side panels remove it to get at it. From there one wire goes to the taillight and the other goes out the bottom and crosses over to the right tail light.

If this is in a truck, check the plug at the firewall and the rear crossmember plug. It is just a process of elimination until you find the culprit.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 05-26-2003, 02:09 PM

Since the turn signals both work, and the wires for the turn signals serve as brake light wires also, the problem has to be from your brake light switch up to your turnsignal switch. The first item that I would check is to see if the brake light power makes it to the turn signal harness connector. If the power makes it to the connector, then that only leaves the turn signal harness wiring or possibly the turn signal switch.

Good luck!

JIm

71sub · 05-26-2003, 05:59 PM

Thanks for ALL your help --- I'm going to go check the light switch, since I didn't know it was part of the equation.

05-25-2003, 11:26 PM	#1
71sub Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 169	Brake lights NOT working Rear tail lights work when ALL lights are on, and turn signals work on both rear tail lights, individually .... as do hazards. BUT brake lights won't work when I step on pedal. I've replaced the brake pedal switch w/o any luck. I know the pedal switch is working 'cuz when brake not pressed, the white lead is not hot AND when brake pedal pressed it is hot. The orange lead is always hot. What am I missing ? __________________ 71 C/10 : 350 / 700r4 ; Ford 9" posi 3.50 with 31x10.5 rear tires, single drive shaft, C-notch, 2.5" drop spindles, keyless entry 71 Suburban 350/350 -- caddy tail lights, keyless entry, late model seats, billet Autometer instrument cluster 70 Ford Torino -- 351W (balanced & blueprinted ), C4, VDO gauges

05-26-2003, 10:19 AM	#3
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	Then it is time to start checking at each connection block. If this is in the sub. There is one right above the gas pedal, then the wires run up the drivers side A pillar to the rear drivers corner. Just behind the taillight is the rear harness plug. If you have the side panels remove it to get at it. From there one wire goes to the taillight and the other goes out the bottom and crosses over to the right tail light. If this is in a truck, check the plug at the firewall and the rear crossmember plug. It is just a process of elimination until you find the culprit. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

05-26-2003, 05:59 PM	#5
71sub Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 169	Thanks for ALL your help --- I'm going to go check the light switch, since I didn't know it was part of the equation. __________________ 71 C/10 : 350 / 700r4 ; Ford 9" posi 3.50 with 31x10.5 rear tires, single drive shaft, C-notch, 2.5" drop spindles, keyless entry 71 Suburban 350/350 -- caddy tail lights, keyless entry, late model seats, billet Autometer instrument cluster 70 Ford Torino -- 351W (balanced & blueprinted ), C4, VDO gauges

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05-25-2003, 11:35 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	The power goes from there up to your turn signal switch. Try wiggling the turn signal lever as you have your foot on the pedal. If the brake lights come on, or flicker...time to replace the turn signal switch. Might be just as easy to replace the column...maybe even a tilt out of a van.

05-26-2003, 02:09 PM	#4
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Since the turn signals both work, and the wires for the turn signals serve as brake light wires also, the problem has to be from your brake light switch up to your turnsignal switch. The first item that I would check is to see if the brake light power makes it to the turn signal harness connector. If the power makes it to the connector, then that only leaves the turn signal harness wiring or possibly the turn signal switch. Good luck! JIm



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