Instrument and brake lights
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Instrument and brake lights
Hey Guys,
I just bought a 69 coupe and it seems all there and all original. Took it out for a night ride and found I had no instrument or brake lights. Headlamps, turn and back-up all Ok. I checked bulbs and fuses but wasn't the issue any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Hope I did this to code as it's my 1st post as a new member.
Thanks,
Jeff
I just bought a 69 coupe and it seems all there and all original. Took it out for a night ride and found I had no instrument or brake lights. Headlamps, turn and back-up all Ok. I checked bulbs and fuses but wasn't the issue any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Hope I did this to code as it's my 1st post as a new member.
Thanks,
Jeff
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,727
Likes: 2,579
The instrument and brake light problems may or maynot be related. Start with a stupid question concerning instrument lights, are you sure the headlight switch **** wasnt set to dim the instrument lights? On the brake lights did you check with a voltmeter the bulb sockets with someone stepping on the brake pedal.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
From: Millstone Twp NJ
I had similar problem with my brake lights....Check the prongs on bottom of socket and also make sure bulb is the right type and is inserted correctly. I know this is obvious but when dealing with tempermental electrical circuits like this, all avenues, even simplistic ones, need to be explored...Good Luck-Pete
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks Guys,
I think this forum will be the best tool I have to keep my new toy running properly. Your timely responses are greatly appreciated. Yes the **** was turned but I could see that sliping past someone. I will check the voltage later and report back. The bulbs are new and look correct. This, the clock and the radio are the only things not functioning on the car. All other guages, air and lights are fine.
Jeff
I think this forum will be the best tool I have to keep my new toy running properly. Your timely responses are greatly appreciated. Yes the **** was turned but I could see that sliping past someone. I will check the voltage later and report back. The bulbs are new and look correct. This, the clock and the radio are the only things not functioning on the car. All other guages, air and lights are fine.
Jeff
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
I may be mistaken but I believe there were cars made at one time that were designed like that intentionally.
When the brake lights would stop working the dash lights would go out also. I think this was so when you would notice the dash lights out you would know you had a problem with the brake lights. A problem you would want to be aware of due to the the fact that without brake lights the chance of a rear end collision is greatly increased.
I don't know if Corvettes were designed with this feature nor do I know what the particular problem,in your case,is but if this is in fact the case a fix for one problem should fix the other.
Good Luck!!!
When the brake lights would stop working the dash lights would go out also. I think this was so when you would notice the dash lights out you would know you had a problem with the brake lights. A problem you would want to be aware of due to the the fact that without brake lights the chance of a rear end collision is greatly increased.
I don't know if Corvettes were designed with this feature nor do I know what the particular problem,in your case,is but if this is in fact the case a fix for one problem should fix the other.
Good Luck!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 174
From: Fort Wayne IN
I may be mistaken but I believe there were cars made at one time that were designed like that intentionally.
When the brake lights would stop working the dash lights would go out also. I think this was so when you would notice the dash lights out you would know you had a problem with the brake lights. A problem you would want to be aware of due to the the fact that without brake lights the chance of a rear end collision is greatly increased.
I don't know if Corvettes were designed with this feature nor do I know what the particular problem,in your case,is but if this is in fact the case a fix for one problem should fix the other.
Good Luck!!!
When the brake lights would stop working the dash lights would go out also. I think this was so when you would notice the dash lights out you would know you had a problem with the brake lights. A problem you would want to be aware of due to the the fact that without brake lights the chance of a rear end collision is greatly increased.
I don't know if Corvettes were designed with this feature nor do I know what the particular problem,in your case,is but if this is in fact the case a fix for one problem should fix the other.
Good Luck!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
I agree the fiber optics would eliminate the need for both items to be on the same circuit however when I was working on cars in the late 60's early 70's I ran into the same situation and that was how it was explained to me. Made good sense at the time.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
For the record called my brother who had a 69 in the day. He knew right away to check to switch below the brake peddle. Took it out tapped it a few times and according to him don't even need to but a new $5 one as it is working fine. Dash lights played with switch as advised and got them to go on but not dim. His advise change it and you'll be fine.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
switches go bad all the time. if those dont fix it you can start checking electrical wires and connections. i had loose wire come off about two years ago, same symptoms. we can walk you through it, it can get complicated and you'll need a wiring diagram. i like the Doc Rebuild diagrams a lot.