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C2 Tailight problems

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Old Apr 8, 2013 | 03:45 PM
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Default C2 Tailight problems

I have a '65 roadster with a taillight problem which existed ever since I purchased the car. The issue is that I have only one brake light functioning (the RT outboard). Due to the condition of all four taillight assemblies I replaced them all but still have the same issue. Firstly, according to a '65 wiring diagram for a car without backup lights I should have a combination of running lamp, stop lamp and turn signal in each of the FOUR light assemblies. Is this correct as it doesn't sound right to me? Anyway, I have all four running lamps functioning as well as both outboard RT and LFT turn signals (and the aformentioned brake light). I'm beginning to think that the issue is at the main banana connector under the dash. Any thoughts on all of this?

Last edited by azdrmng; Apr 8, 2013 at 03:49 PM.
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Old Apr 8, 2013 | 03:56 PM
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does your flashers flash? does a your indicator light in the dash stay lit? are your bulbs in the correct way?
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Old Apr 8, 2013 | 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by azdrmng
The issue is that I have only one brake light functioning (the RT outboard). Firstly, according to a '65 wiring diagram for a car without backup lights I should have a combination of running lamp, stop lamp and turn signal in each of the FOUR light assemblies. Is this correct as it doesn't sound right to me?
Yes, that's correct - there are two filaments in each of the four double-contact bulbs - the low filament (brown wire) is for the running lamps, and the high filament (black/yellow on the driver's side, dark green on the passenger side) is for the brake light and the turn signal.

If you have no left (driver's side) brake light, do you have turn signals on that side? What brake/turn signals work on the right (passenger) side?
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Old Apr 8, 2013 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnZ
Yes, that's correct - there are two filaments in each of the four double-contact bulbs - the low filament (brown wire) is for the running lamps, and the high filament (black/yellow on the driver's side, dark green on the passenger side) is for the brake light and the turn signal.

If you have no left (driver's side) brake light, do you have turn signals on that side? What brake/turn signals work on the right (passenger) side?
The left outboard and right outboard turn signals work. The right outboard brake light is the only one that works. So am I correct in understanding that all four taillights have a triple function?
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Old Apr 8, 2013 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
does your flashers flash? does a your indicator light in the dash stay lit? are your bulbs in the correct way?
No flasher on the 1965 model. Bulbs are installed correctly. I guess you mean turn indicator light? Those remain on.
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Old Apr 8, 2013 | 09:46 PM
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With the light staying solid in your dash thats saying you have a light bulb out or put in backwards
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Old Apr 8, 2013 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by azdrmng
I'm beginning to think that the issue is at the main banana connector under the dash. Any thoughts on all of this?
Possibly, but more likely to be dirty, corroded contacts in the indicator switch assembly.

Originally Posted by azdrmng
The left outboard and right outboard turn signals work. The right outboard brake light is the only one that works. So am I correct in understanding that all four taillights have a triple function?
Yes, all four tail lights are parkers (running lights) and the 2 LHS are Left brake and turn and the 2 RHS are Right brake and turn.

Check the condition and continuity of the brass contacts on the pigtails that push and turn into the tail light assemblies.

The best way to track down this issue is with a test light at the back, working your way forward to the switch.

It doesn't sound like a ground issue, but a open circuit or bad contact somewhere.
Hope that helps
Cheers
Dave
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