narrow down the problem (turn signal switch is a big pain to get at, remover steering wheel etc)
Brake Lights
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Averill Park N.Y.
Brake Lights
I have a 74 vert. My brake lights and 4 ways stopped working. I've already checked the brake light switch. I've been told it could be the directional signal switch. Is that possible and how hard to replace?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Before you start replacing stuff, isolate your problem.
Analyze your wiring diagram to determine what circuits could be responsible for your brake light problem.
Your directional signals work, but your 4 ways do not?
Do your backup lights work? Rear Side Marker lights? License plate illumination lamps?
I'd first start with simple and cheap. Fuse is ok? There is a common ground at body rear for Stop/Directional lamps - is that ground good?
Mapman
GM/Chevrolet wiring diagrams for your 1974 have circuit numbers. 1972 and earlier GM do not. Circuit numbers make it much easier to trace those "spaghetti" charts.
Last edited by mapman; Jun 1, 2022 at 05:58 PM. Reason: added info
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Averill Park N.Y.
I really appreciate all of your suggestions. All other lights work, taillights, turn signals, backup, side markers.
Checked the fuses, all good. Replaced flasher. Brake light switch is good. No current to the BL switch.
Open for suggestions.
Checked the fuses, all good. Replaced flasher. Brake light switch is good. No current to the BL switch.
Open for suggestions.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Unfortunately the orange power wire that feed both the brake switch and the e-flasher comes right from the fuse box
Test the fuse for power at both ends (test light rather than a meter) and it it's ok and there's a problem with the wire (orange)
M
Test the fuse for power at both ends (test light rather than a meter) and it it's ok and there's a problem with the wire (orange)
M
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,741
Likes: 1,383
When I had all those symptoms it turned out to be the turn-signal switch. I would replace the lamps first since they're relatively cheap and easy to do.....just in case. Do one lamp at a time ..... just to see if you can identify a potential culprit.
The turns-signal switch replacement was not too terrible. Nowadays I would take a picture before disassembling.
The turns-signal switch replacement was not too terrible. Nowadays I would take a picture before disassembling.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,476
Likes: 2,185
From: Loveland
What everyone said...... Also check if there are any connections where someone spliced a wire to install new fittings. I had rear lights that weren't working. I unhooked a splice, cleaned the wires and hooked it back up and my lights started working.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
Likes: 4,507
From: Virginia
Telling the Forum about the resolutions to problems (especially when one of our members got it right) potentially helps dozens of Corvette owners who never post anything, but still come here for solutions.
