Youngvettehunter

When i press the brake pedal on my 68 the tail lights don't come on and they don't get any brighter when the lights are on

0Willcox Corvette

In most cases the ground is the issue... or you have a wire off at the turn signal switch connector.

The brown wire is the power wire for the running lamps and tail lamps. The brake lamps go through the turn signal switch on the green and yellow wires.... (as shown below).

So, if the tail lamps are working, I'd first go to the brake light switch and see if you have power coming out of it on the white wire (B). If you do, go to the turn signal switch connector and see if you have power there (E)... if you do... then see if it's coming out of the connector (F and G).

If you don't then you have a turn signal switch issue, if you do... proceed to test the connector where the front and rear harness connect (behind the left kick panel). Check for power at R and S going in, then check at I and J going out....

Also check the grounds at the tail lamps... When you test the tail lamp connector you may have power there, but you may not have good ground. So always test for continuity between the brass housing and another verified ground. The brass can become corroded and not make good contact with the housing so using another ground to test is always smart.

Just work your way back, I'm sure you'll find the issue.


IMHO,

Willcox

SH-60B

There's a brake switch actuated by the pedal arm. Manually push on it to see if the lights come on. It could be non functional or out of adjustment, no power available, bad ground at rear of car, among the many reasons

theandies

One question - Did they work before?

Also make sure you have 1157 bulbs installed not 1156's. 1157 are dual element bulbs for turn signal/brake lights.
Even though 1156's don't have staggered retainer pins I've seen them "forced installed" into 1157 sockets.

SteveG75

Or the 1157 is jammed in backwards. Managed to do that once myself.

Youngvettehunter

I was trying that earlier and the arm doesn't move with the pedal it only moves away. Also the brake light is always on on the dash...

Alan 71

Hi,
Is the brake lamp switch in place and working properly?

The brake warning light on the dash has to do with the function of the brakes… not the function of brake lights.

Are you sure you're not seeing the warning light for the parking brake? It's in the dash too.
Regards,
Alan

JimT

Did your lights work before? If so, what has changed since that time? Many times a change occurs (replacement, adjustments etc) on the car and may affect other components..
Just a thought..

Peterbuilt

The BRAKE light in the dash serves two functions.
The light will go on if there is a problem with the foot brake
or it will go on if the PARKING brake handle is not DOWN all the way.

Pull the wire off the proportioning valve.
If the light goes OUT there is a problem with the foot brake,
if the light stay ON the parking brake switch needs an adjustment.

Green73

Willcox did a great job detailing the troubleshooting.

I would try the warning hazards and see what happens. If nothing, I'd look at bulbs, if they work, I'd look at the brake switch. When they sit for a long time, they can get stuck in 'off'. If that gets you no where, I'd go through Willcox's instructions.

Rescue Rogers

turn on your hazards or the turn signals. If they work its the switch. IF they don't go with the steps Willcox outlined. I doubt all 4 burned out, but Bubba did have a different bulb jammed in one of mine. If the car is new to you or they havent worked since you bought it, Bubba could have fixed it. Lets hope not.

lionelhutz

Do the signals work? That would indicate the lights and wiring from the turn signal switch to the tail lights are fine and that it's likely the brake switch or wiring to the brake switch or power to the brake switch.

Youngvettehunter

the signals work so it's either the switch or the sensor in the proportioning valve. But I believe it's the switch. Is the arm on the switch supposed to move with the pedal when u push the pedal or does the arm stay in one place? Cuz mine only moves away from the pedal

lionelhutz

There is a button on the switch that is held in by the metal bracket on the pedal when the pedal is in the released position. The metal bracket will move away from the switch when you press the pedal down to let the button out which closes the switch.

Rescue Rogers

the button is a little spring loaded plunger like the top of an old ball point pen. If its stuck in then your lights wont come on. The arm pushes it in and lets it out as it moves away