Looking for electrical help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield IL
Looking for electrical help
Out of the blue I am having tailight problems. This is not a new wire situation, but all wires are very pliable and clean. Driverside tailghts light up like they should, but when brake is applied, outer light goes out. When blinker is on instead of both blinking, one blinks then the other blinks. I have tried different bulbs, but to no avail. Due to my work schedule I don't have a lot of time to diagnose and I was hoping someone else has gotten through this problem before. By the way the front parking light works and blinks as should.
Thanks,
Richard
Thanks,
Richard
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,191
Likes: 145
From: Snake handler
You might have two problems going on at once here. The brake lights are simple - a wire goes from the brake switch under the dash (the brake pedal activates it) to the bulbs in the rear. I believe it gets it's power from the turn sig switch in the column. Use a multi meter set to ohms and check for continuity - could be a wire grounding out somewhere between the switch and the light that goes out. (assuming the bulb is good.)
Then, the turn sig problem is probably the turn sig switch - I would also make sure you don't have a bad flasher (those little silver cans attached the the fuse box) Replace those because they are cheap. Make sure you get the right one.
Otherwise, replace the turn sig switch - it's about $75 but after 40+ years it could probably use a new one anyway.
Then, the turn sig problem is probably the turn sig switch - I would also make sure you don't have a bad flasher (those little silver cans attached the the fuse box) Replace those because they are cheap. Make sure you get the right one.
Otherwise, replace the turn sig switch - it's about $75 but after 40+ years it could probably use a new one anyway.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
Originally Posted by vref
Sounds more like a grounding problem, the circuit is trying to ground thru the light bulbs themselves, hence the other lights illuminate when the pedal is depressed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 146
From: Chuckanut WA
Sounds like the Classic and common (for Corvettes) grounding gremlins. Check and clean all your grounding connections. You must have a good clean connection to the frame and at the front between engine and frame as battery ground strap most likely is attached to engine block. 
Last edited by K2; May 23, 2005 at 12:23 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
My car was doing exactly the same thing last summer. The pigtail that twists into the socket from the harness was not seating correctly. It was backfeeding causing alternating flashing. I did some adjustments and did not have to change anything. I'm pretty good with electrical. I had 1/2 the car apart checkin' stuff. I felt kinda dumb but it was a tricky one. Remove the pigtail from the socket and use a test light at the pigtail to check.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield IL
Thanks for all the replies. 00fxd, this sounds like it might be the ticket. A couple of years ago I replaced all grounds with new ones and I only drive this car a few hundred miles per year, so I really think the problem might be in the tailight assembly itself. I had it apart and it is very cleanand looks good. I will start there and move on to grounds and if I have to I will go into the turn signal assembly.
Richard
Richard
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
If you look there all might look fine. The key is to remove the pigtail from the socket and check for correct operation at the pigtail with a grounded test light. I don't know why I didn't do this first when I had my problem. It's easy to do once you remove the lower body valence. I was condeming the turn sig switch and worked from that direction.
Let us know what you find.
Let us know what you find.