[C2] Rear Brake Lights and Turn Signals
01-16-2017, 03:27 PM
#1
7th Gear
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Member Since: Jan 2016
Location: Bunnlevel North Carolina
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Rear Brake Lights and Turn Signals
I have a 63 Vette. I have running lights in the rear but no brake lights or turn signals. The turn signals work in the front of the car. New bulbs and fuses have been put in so far any ideas.
01-16-2017, 03:36 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
01-16-2017, 05:43 PM
#3
Team Owner
Most likely an issue with the turn signal switch. I'll type more when I get home. Tail lights and turn signals use the same ground so that's probably not a ground issue.
01-16-2017, 06:05 PM
#4
Team Owner
Turn signals are unique in 63.. The switch is down at the bottom of the steering column mast jacket. You can loosen the cable there and slide the switch by hand and see if it's a cable adjustment or switch problem. This method eliminates the mechanical under the horn button.
01-16-2017, 06:53 PM
#5
Team Owner
The voltage from the brake light switch goes to the turn signal switch. If it's in the middle, the voltage feeds both rear brake light bulbs. If it's turned to one side the switch interrupts the voltage to that side and inserts the 12v flashing from the flasher. So if the internal contacts aren't making on the turn signal switch, you can lose both brake lights and turn signal lights. The fronts are working so the switch isn't totally disconnected. Check it to see if the connector is cocked or not inserted fully. There is also a rear body connector under the driver's side dash that feeds those voltages to the rear, and you could have a connection problem there. The most likely is either internal turn signal contact issues, or broken wires there. The fact that the fronts don't go through that switch also tends to point there.
Last edited by 65GGvert; 01-16-2017 at 09:12 PM. Reason: Corrected wording on turn signal switch (changed to lights)
01-16-2017, 08:36 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
The voltage from the brake light switch goes to the turn signal switch. If it's in the middle, the voltage feeds both rear brake light bulbs. If it's turned to one side the switch interrupts the voltage to that side and inserts the 12v flashing from the flasher. So if the internal contacts aren't making on the turn signal switch, you can lose both brake lights and turn signal switch. The fronts are working so the switch isn't totally disconnected. Check it to see if the connector is cocked or not inserted fully. There is also a rear body connector under the driver's side dash that feeds those voltages to the rear, and you could have a connection problem there. The most likely is either internal turn signal contact issues, or broken wires there. The fact that the fronts don't go through that switch also tends to point there.
01-16-2017, 09:09 PM
#7
Team Owner
One quick check you can do, with key off and brake pedal pressed you should have 12v on the wire coming from the brake pedal switch to the turn signal switch. It will be "natural" colored, like off white. If you have it there and then measure on the pink wire and the violet wire coming out of the turn signal switch with the turn signal handle in the center position, you should also have 12v there. If you don't have it on the natural wire, measure on the orange wire to the brake pedal switch. Let me know what you have there.
If you'll post back what voltages you see on the natural and the pink and the violet wires at the turn signal switch with brake pressed we can determine if you have more than one problem or if it's in the switch.
If you'll post back what voltages you see on the natural and the pink and the violet wires at the turn signal switch with brake pressed we can determine if you have more than one problem or if it's in the switch.
Last edited by 65GGvert; 01-16-2017 at 09:11 PM.