how do the tail lights ground themselves - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gouldie · 01-21-2007, 07:21 PM

like the title says how do the taillights ground themselves. i have voltage going to the bulbs but they still dont work and dont see a ground wire anywhere

i have a 67 c 10

thanks,

chris

BarryB · 01-21-2007, 07:24 PM

they ground by the bulb housing's.

cdowns · 01-21-2007, 07:42 PM

there should also be a ground wire fob the box to the frame// i've always put it from the rear sill of the box to the rear crossmember don't know if thats the factory correct but it grounded good and the lights worked//you could also clean up the back of the reflector where it mounts to body panel to get a gooder ground too

gouldie · 01-21-2007, 09:08 PM

thanks for the fast responses. i'll try putting a wire in once i get the chance.

Luvlegs · 01-22-2007, 04:33 PM

on my 72, the back of the housing grounds to the inners of the recess - I couldn't get mine to work as the plastic clips kept "easing" back from the housing and the bulb couldn't reach the contacts. As a temporary fix, as I'm moving, I pushed the plastic part against the housing and used the ol' duct tape to hold it tight - worked great - need to replace the ends though.

cameeks · 01-22-2007, 07:40 PM

I have a question to add to this tail light subject. Why is it that both brake lights shut off when the turn signal is active. I have brake lights without the turn signal on but as soon as I hit left or right they shut off.

jhow66 · 01-22-2007, 11:32 PM

Check to see if hazard switch is pushed in. Do harzards work?

**basketcase** · 01-23-2007, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameeks

I have a question to add to this tail light subject. Why is it that both brake lights shut off when the turn signal is active. I have brake lights without the turn signal on but as soon as I hit left or right they shut off.

This could also be a ground problem. Try running a jumper wire from the light housing to a good clean ground and see if that helps.

Tom

GREASEMONKEY72 · 01-23-2007, 12:28 AM

what about if my hazards are on and i step on the brake they stop flashing, is that normal or what???

cameeks · 01-23-2007, 10:15 AM

Yes my hazards work but I didnt check to see if they go off when I hit the brake. I'll check the ground this weekend. I'm swamped at work.

Also the hazards go off when you hit the brake for saftey reasons.

68speedalert · 01-23-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameeks

I have a question to add to this tail light subject. Why is it that both brake lights shut off when the turn signal is active. I have brake lights without the turn signal on but as soon as I hit left or right they shut off.

Most likely a bad turn signal switch.

Try to jiggle the t/s lever a little while someone watches the lights to see if they come on, even if a little.

cameeks · 01-23-2007, 02:31 PM

I have brake lights without the turn signal on but as soon as I hit left or right they shut off. (Say at night when I have my lights on and I use the left turn signal. The brake lights come on, when I activate the left turn signal the brake lights go off and the only thing active on the rear is the left turn signal (flashing) and the right tail light (solid). Same with the right turn signal. As soon as they go off the tail lights brighten up for the brake lights.

Had to add to it so it is more understanding.

I know that the Cancellation cam is out on the turn switch. And remembering back to when I was doing wiring for hitches and trailers when the ground was bad the parking light would flash oppisite of the turn signal.

I'm just glade that the inspection station didn't catch it last time.

68speedalert · 01-23-2007, 02:42 PM

Does the taillight keep working on the side that is flashing?

cameeks · 01-23-2007, 03:30 PM

yes the parking light on the flashing light stays lit also.

cameeks · 01-23-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gouldie

like the title says how do the taillights ground themselves. i have voltage going to the bulbs but they still dont work and dont see a ground wire anywhere

i have a 67 c 10

thanks,

chris

Did you ever get yours fixed?

Longhorn Man · 01-23-2007, 03:37 PM

cameeks, as indicated, 99% chance, you need a turn signal switch. Your grounds are fin from what you describe.
GREASEMONKEY72, what you describe with the 4 ways stopping when you hit the brakes... that is normal and intended.

gouldie · 01-24-2007, 12:31 AM

not yet i've been busy with school and work. i might have some free time tomorrow to try and get them working.

gouldie · 01-27-2007, 12:25 PM

alright i just got back from replacing the bulbs and they still do not work. i'm now getting 12 volts when i ground it to the housing and am very confued to why they still aren't working.

any ideas to what could be stopping them from working?

also the part number on the bulb is 2357 i'm not sure if that's the right bulb or not because they're not working

Aarons72s · 01-27-2007, 12:33 PM

Cameeks, On the turn signal switch more than likely the cam is cracked. You can get a new one in the help section at most parts stores. Try this first then if you still loose brake lights then go ahead and do the switch.

cameeks · 01-28-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aarons72s

Cameeks, On the turn signal switch more than likely the cam is cracked. You can get a new one in the help section at most parts stores. Try this first then if you still loose brake lights then go ahead and do the switch.

I'll look again for a cam. I ask the guys at Autozone about the part when I was there and they said they didnt have it. So I'm going with the more reliable O'reilly's.

cameeks · 01-28-2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gouldie

also the part number on the bulb is 2357 i'm not sure if that's the right bulb or not because they're not working

That part # should work. I accidently bout those once for mine and they work fine. They are for the newer vehicles and I was told that they are a diffrent wattage for the computer to detect. I'm not sure on how much of that is true.

Is there any rust between where the bulb socket and housing meet?

01-21-2007, 07:21 PM	#1
gouldie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: daytona beach Posts: 101	how do the tail lights ground themselves like the title says how do the taillights ground themselves. i have voltage going to the bulbs but they still dont work and dont see a ground wire anywhere i have a 67 c 10 thanks, chris __________________ 67 c10 250 I6 3 on the tree no options air ride, paint and big block coming within the next 23 years 2001 mustang gt for going fast Last edited by gouldie; 01-21-2007 at 07:22 PM.

01-21-2007, 07:24 PM	#2
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves they ground by the bulb housing's.

01-21-2007, 07:42 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves there should also be a ground wire fob the box to the frame// i've always put it from the rear sill of the box to the rear crossmember don't know if thats the factory correct but it grounded good and the lights worked//you could also clean up the back of the reflector where it mounts to body panel to get a gooder ground too __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY Last edited by cdowns; 01-21-2007 at 08:19 PM.

01-21-2007, 09:08 PM	#4
gouldie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: daytona beach Posts: 101	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves thanks for the fast responses. i'll try putting a wire in once i get the chance. __________________ 67 c10 250 I6 3 on the tree no options air ride, paint and big block coming within the next 23 years 2001 mustang gt for going fast

01-22-2007, 04:33 PM	#5
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves on my 72, the back of the housing grounds to the inners of the recess - I couldn't get mine to work as the plastic clips kept "easing" back from the housing and the bulb couldn't reach the contacts. As a temporary fix, as I'm moving, I pushed the plastic part against the housing and used the ol' duct tape to hold it tight - worked great - need to replace the ends though. __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

01-22-2007, 07:40 PM	#6
cameeks Long Fleet Club Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Deer Park, TX Posts: 5,666	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves I have a question to add to this tail light subject. Why is it that both brake lights shut off when the turn signal is active. I have brake lights without the turn signal on but as soon as I hit left or right they shut off. __________________ Chris Meeks '69 Chevy Custom/10 Long Bed <-- Thread of the work I did before selling. Truck is now finished to the new owners design and running around. I was shown some pictures of the finished product. At least it survived the junk yard. FAQ Index by Krue Site Vendors Subscribe Here Forum Rules

01-22-2007, 11:32 PM	#7
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves Check to see if hazard switch is pushed in. Do harzards work? __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

01-23-2007, 12:28 AM	#9
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves what about if my hazards are on and i step on the brake they stop flashing, is that normal or what??? __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

01-23-2007, 10:15 AM	#10
cameeks Long Fleet Club Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Deer Park, TX Posts: 5,666	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves Yes my hazards work but I didnt check to see if they go off when I hit the brake. I'll check the ground this weekend. I'm swamped at work. Also the hazards go off when you hit the brake for saftey reasons. __________________ Chris Meeks '69 Chevy Custom/10 Long Bed <-- Thread of the work I did before selling. Truck is now finished to the new owners design and running around. I was shown some pictures of the finished product. At least it survived the junk yard. FAQ Index by Krue Site Vendors Subscribe Here Forum Rules

01-23-2007, 02:31 PM	#12
cameeks Long Fleet Club Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Deer Park, TX Posts: 5,666	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves I have brake lights without the turn signal on but as soon as I hit left or right they shut off. (Say at night when I have my lights on and I use the left turn signal. The brake lights come on, when I activate the left turn signal the brake lights go off and the only thing active on the rear is the left turn signal (flashing) and the right tail light (solid). Same with the right turn signal. As soon as they go off the tail lights brighten up for the brake lights. Had to add to it so it is more understanding. I know that the Cancellation cam is out on the turn switch. And remembering back to when I was doing wiring for hitches and trailers when the ground was bad the parking light would flash oppisite of the turn signal. I'm just glade that the inspection station didn't catch it last time. __________________ Chris Meeks '69 Chevy Custom/10 Long Bed <-- Thread of the work I did before selling. Truck is now finished to the new owners design and running around. I was shown some pictures of the finished product. At least it survived the junk yard. FAQ Index by Krue Site Vendors Subscribe Here Forum Rules

01-23-2007, 02:42 PM	#13
68speedalert Semi-Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 390	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves Does the taillight keep working on the side that is flashing? __________________ '68 50th Anniversery LWB Custom Fleetside, '77 305 v-8, turbo 350, factory speed alert (still works), '71 drivetrain w/front discs. Some call it ugly yellow, others call it Ochre '83 Jeep CJ-7, <80,000 miles, original owner '04 Chevy Suburban, 4x4, 2500, 6.0 ltr, Predator Diablo programmer '95 GMC K1500 Extended cab

01-23-2007, 03:30 PM	#14
cameeks Long Fleet Club Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Deer Park, TX Posts: 5,666	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves yes the parking light on the flashing light stays lit also. __________________ Chris Meeks '69 Chevy Custom/10 Long Bed <-- Thread of the work I did before selling. Truck is now finished to the new owners design and running around. I was shown some pictures of the finished product. At least it survived the junk yard. FAQ Index by Krue Site Vendors Subscribe Here Forum Rules

01-23-2007, 03:37 PM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves cameeks, as indicated, 99% chance, you need a turn signal switch. Your grounds are fin from what you describe. GREASEMONKEY72, what you describe with the 4 ways stopping when you hit the brakes... that is normal and intended.

01-24-2007, 12:31 AM	#17
gouldie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: daytona beach Posts: 101	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves not yet i've been busy with school and work. i might have some free time tomorrow to try and get them working. __________________ 67 c10 250 I6 3 on the tree no options air ride, paint and big block coming within the next 23 years 2001 mustang gt for going fast

01-27-2007, 12:25 PM	#18
gouldie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: daytona beach Posts: 101	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves alright i just got back from replacing the bulbs and they still do not work. i'm now getting 12 volts when i ground it to the housing and am very confued to why they still aren't working. any ideas to what could be stopping them from working? also the part number on the bulb is 2357 i'm not sure if that's the right bulb or not because they're not working __________________ 67 c10 250 I6 3 on the tree no options air ride, paint and big block coming within the next 23 years 2001 mustang gt for going fast Last edited by gouldie; 01-27-2007 at 12:32 PM.



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01-27-2007, 12:33 PM	#19
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,669	Re: how do the tail lights ground themselves Cameeks, On the turn signal switch more than likely the cam is cracked. You can get a new one in the help section at most parts stores. Try this first then if you still loose brake lights then go ahead and do the switch.

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