Tail light problem

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Aug 5, 2016 | 05:50 PM

hockystik

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Tail light problem

I've got a 1966 coupe. Sometimes my drivers side running light works. Sometimes my brake light and turn signal works. Sometimes both running light and brake and turn signal works. Most of the time, brake and turn signal work and no running light. No problem with passenger side at all. Any thoughts?

Aug 5, 2016 | 06:20 PM

AkrHack

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From: Akron OH

Sounds like a loose/bad ground connection to me. I had a loose ground on my '67. Before I fixed it, I had some of the same symptoms that you have.

Aug 5, 2016 | 06:23 PM

DucatiDon

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Yep..check the ground wires...Also check the ground in the bulb socket.

Aug 5, 2016 | 07:13 PM

65GGvert

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From: Kannapolis NC

The only thing that ties the tail light to the stop light/ turn signal filament is the ground, so the guys are right. All the rear sockets, including backup lights, license plate light, and fuel gauge ground are tied together and feed through a black wire back up to the rear body connector under the dash and then ground to the inst cluster ground. Start with cleaning or changing the bulbs for that side to insure they are not corroded. Then check the black wire to make sure it connects to the light ***'y base beside it and to the main black wire going to the front. You may also have corrosion in the contacts in the socket, or where the metal base of the bulb should ground to the metal shroud of the socket

If it's not the ground, then you have two separate problems at the same time.

Aug 5, 2016 | 10:51 PM

R66

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From: Really Central IL Illinois

Stay on the ground, you cannot really fly in a Corvette unless you have wings. Ground it.

Aug 6, 2016 | 11:36 AM

67's

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From: POTSDAM NY/Punta Gorda FL

Bad turn signal switch in the column?

Aug 6, 2016 | 05:43 PM

hockystik

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How tough is it to get to where I have room to see the wires clearly? Do I have to take much off? Thanks for all the replies.

Aug 6, 2016 | 08:20 PM

AkrHack

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From: Akron OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockystik

How tough is it to get to where I have room to see the wires clearly? Do I have to take much off? Thanks for all the replies.

I removed my Rear Valance panel on my '67 to get access to the tail light wiring. Fixing my bad taillight ground without removing it would have been much more difficult if not impossible.

Last edited by AkrHack; Aug 6, 2016 at 08:35 PM.