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1963 Corvette brake lights not working

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Old 10-22-2007, 02:19 PM
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Blk63Vette
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Default 1963 Corvette brake lights not working

Hi

I noticed my brake lights are not working again. I had them fixed once (Corvette shop) and now they are not working. I had a new brake light switch that didnt do the trick.

I am assuming its a possible ground? Also the clock has stopped working..Do they share a common ground?


Are there any tricks to fixing this?
Thanks
Old 10-22-2007, 04:33 PM
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Red63SW
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Is it just the brake lights or is it brake lights and turn signals? If it is the latter, it could be a defective turn signal switch.

Did you check the ground wires on the taillight housings? Each housing has a ground wire in the harness.
Old 10-22-2007, 04:36 PM
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Also check the bulbs are not loose or fitting correctly. I had a bunch of electrical gel Bubba used and after I cleaned the bulbs, they worked fine.
Old 10-22-2007, 10:49 PM
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Blk63Vette
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Originally Posted by Red63SW
Is it just the brake lights or is it brake lights and turn signals? If it is the latter, it could be a defective turn signal switch.

Did you check the ground wires on the taillight housings? Each housing has a ground wire in the harness.
the turn signal lights work...the lights in back work when turn on headlights. When push down on brake ...brake lights dont work

Old 10-22-2007, 11:00 PM
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Do you have current to the switch above the pedal? Does current exit the switch when tripped? Is it adjusted so the brake pedal movement allows it to work?

I started here when mine quit.

Good luck.
Old 10-22-2007, 11:53 PM
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Like 65tuxedo said, check to make sure you have power in and out of the stop light switch. Power in is orange, power out is "natural".....I have no clue what color that is......beige???.

Then check the "natural" terminal at the turn signal switch. Power out from the turn signal switch is pink and violet.

Also, with your foot on the brake pedal, slowly move the turn signal switch up and down and see if your brake lights come on.

Old 10-23-2007, 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by buns
Power in is orange, power out is "natural".....I have no clue what color that is......beige???.
In my harness, natural = white. (It is a new reproduction harness.)
Old 10-23-2007, 12:36 AM
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Red63SW....thankyou for clearing that up for me. Had me perplexed for some time. Now all I have to do is figure out how to color in a white wire on a white background.





Old 10-23-2007, 10:25 PM
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Hi

Thanks for all the ideas...Buns nice diagram!
Old 06-24-2016, 12:44 PM
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Default 63 brakes and blinkers not working

Originally Posted by Red63SW
Is it just the brake lights or is it brake lights and turn signals? If it is the latter, it could be a defective turn signal switch.

Did you check the ground wires on the taillight housings? Each housing has a ground wire in the harness.
Red - you mentioned in the thread from a few years back that if the blinkers AND the brake lights are out, then It might be a defective turn signal switch on the column. Any other trouble shooting suggestions? My blinkers are out as well as brake lights. All bulbs work when headlamps are turned on. No indicators for blinkers on the panel either. I did not that my dome light is out but traced it to the 20amp fuse which is blown. The fuse enclosure reads "courtesy lamps" - would THAT have enythibg to do with the problem? Thanks for any advice. Marty
Old 06-25-2016, 07:44 AM
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I had a similar problem with my 65. I discovered the clip holding the brake fuse was loose and not allowing the fuse to make proper contact.
Old 06-25-2016, 08:08 AM
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I have a 62 and it may not have the same turn signal in steering column. But I lubed the cam in steering wheel. Pulled the wheel and used lithium greese at all moving points. Solved the brake light problems. The test was to step on the brake with power off and see if brake light flicker when you move the turn signal lever. If they do its a cam or switch problem.

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