‘71 RR rear brake light problem. Suggestions pls…

[Plyrr471]

I’ve read several threads about the turn signal switch, but before tearing into the column I thought I’d ask you guys. Prob surfaced the other day out of nowhere. A guy at a local show told me I don’t have any brake lights. All 4 bulbs light up with headlights on, and all 4 flash with 4-ways on. L&R directionals work as well. I’m guessing maybe the brake light switch, but never even heard of one on them crapping out.
In perhaps an unrelated issue, after replacing the burnt out pass side inside headlight (bright) bulb when I actuate the brights, I see them flash on and off from time to time, and the red “brights” warning on the dash light will turn off as well. I’m going to take the car out tomorrow and first replace the bright bulb first, but where to go from there? Brake light switch maybe? Thanks. PS-I looked under the dash for any burnt fuses, none to be found, I couldn't even find one dedicated to the brake lights, wth?

 

[jimt1971rr]

I have also had this same issue with the brake lights. In my case, I have found that the wire coming from the harness was losing its connection. I have been able to wiggle it a bit and has started working again. I am considering a shunt wire to keep it consistent but haven’t done so yet. Best suggestion is to start testing connections and see if you can find where it stops.

 

[Plyrr471]

@jimt1971rr thanks for the quick response. The wire from from the rear light harness I guess, and the connection where, in the trunk, or at the fixtures? I restored the car 22 yrs. ago so my memory's not so clear.
Also, how would I test the switch at the brake peddle? Maybe jump the switch between the two wires? Assuming there are two…
Thanks Jim

 

[RR Fan Dan]

The headlights and brake light problems are more than likely not related. The brake light problems are your turn signal switch. I had almost the same problem as you. Everything worked fine except one brake light. It was the turn signal switch.

 

[Plyrr471]

The headlights and brake light problems are more than likely not related. The brake light problems are your turn signal switch. I had almost the same problem as you. Everything worked fine except one brake light. It was the turn signal switch.

Thanks Dan. But Damn! I was hoping not to have to tear into the column. I’ll mess with it more tomorrow. Guess I’d best pick up a switch in the meantime. Thanks again.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

Thanks Dan. But Damn! I was hoping not to have to tear into the column. I’ll mess with it more tomorrow. Guess I’d best pick up a switch in the meantime. Thanks again.

If you can, get a NOS Mopar turn signal switch. It’s going to be about 3 times as much as one from NAPA but well worth your investment. The aftermarket ones suck bad and don’t last. Probably why yours is bad. Put a WTB here and look on eBay. The one that went bad in my car was cheap Chinese junk. If they weren’t so difficult to replace then Chinese junk might make sense, but having to pull the steering wheel every time is a PITA.

 

[jimt1971rr]

@jimt1971rr thanks for the quick response. The wire from from the rear light harness I guess, and the connection where, in the trunk, or at the fixtures? I restored the car 22 yrs. ago so my memory's not so clear.
Also, how would I test the switch at the brake peddle? Maybe jump the switch between the two wires? Assuming there are two…
Thanks Jim

My issue is under the dash, see picture. To test the switch, use a multi meter, put one probe to ground and the other to the out put wire, on my car it is white.

 

[nitro_rat]

One of my '77 W100's just had this problem. Everything worked except the brake lights. Switch tested good. Continuity through the turn signal switch (that was the first thing I checked). Turned out to be a bad connection in the bulkhead connector...

 

[Sinitro]

This may help clarify some steering column wiring issues..

Just my $0.02...

 

[Plyrr471]

Thanks Sinitro, I saw that in my search before posting.
Guys, I’m good to go. I don’t know how it worked itself loose, but the white wire worked it’s way off the switch to the point it was no longer making contact. Visually still on though. Sorry I missed that first time around, but thanks for all the help. I lucked out today!!!