Need Help with Brake Lights/Turn Signals

[Rumblefish]

1971 Mustang restoration. I have running lights and tail lights. 4 way flashers work front and back. I don't have turn signals or brake lights. I tested the brake light switch at the pedal and one side has power, when I press brake the other side lights up with a test light. I was missing a flasher behind my glove box but when I installed that flasher, nothing changed. Any suggestions? TY

 

[Don C]

It could be in the wiring harness that runs up the steering column to & from the turn signal switch, or in the turn signal switch. The brake light circuit runs through the turn signal switch.

 

[midlife]

It could be in the wiring harness that runs up the steering column to & from the turn signal switch, or in the turn signal switch. The brake light circuit runs through the turn signal switch.

Bingo.  Bad turn signal switch.

 

[Rumblefish]

Okay, replaced the turn signal switch. I put in a new flasher by the glove box and the directional indicators work beautifully. Thank you. Now, Next problem: When I put foot on brake pedal, the brake lights light up for for a split second then go dead. Any suggestions?

 

[73pony]

The just dim and don’t go out? I would guess bad ground or corroded bulb sockets.

 

[Rumblefish]

The just dim and don’t go out? I would guess bad ground or corroded bulb sockets.

They flash bright for maybe a 1/10 of a second then go dead. Every time I push down on brake pedal they do this.

 

[73pony]

Might be a bad brake light switch or a loose wire on the switch.

 

[Don C]

The brake lights share a 15 amp circuit breaker with the emergency flashers. The breaker may be weak, or the brake light switch or circuit may have a short. The circuit breaker is self resetting, after it cools it will energize the circuit again.

 

[Rumblefish]

Bad brake switch at the pedal. Replaced. Brake lights working. Thank you for all your help.