Brake lights shorting in my 73 Coronet

[somewhereinthecity]

Hey Guys:

Here's what's happening. Every few months or so the following problem happens a few times, then goes away. When I hit the brake pedal, the brake lights do not come on -- instead the dome light comes on. When I open the door, the dome light does not come on (although the courtesy light on the dashboard does...). The trunk light also does not come on or comes on very dimly.

Sounds to me, based on my extremely limited knowledge of automotive electrics, that two wires are shorting somewhere. There is a lot of wiring in this car and it's hard to tell where to even start looking. Can anyone more knowledgeable than I give me some clues where to start looking?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff
Baltimore, MD

 

[440roadrunner]

OK, try to follow this LMAO. Thanks to a few of us over at FABO, MyMopar ended up with a 73 shop manual. So if you do not HAVE one, wander over there and download it........free.......

http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=31

There are two sections, body.....which has SOME wiring in it, "the body" wiring

http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/servicemanuals/1973_Dodge_Body_Service_Manual.zip

and the main chassis manual:

http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/servicemanuals/1973_Dodge_Chassis_Service_Manual.zip

Now sometimes a simpler diagram is easier to follow. For that MyMopar also has aftermarket diagrams. Bear in mind.........these are often incomplete.......leaving out connectors and options

http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1973/73CoronetChargerA.JPG

http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1973/73CoronetChargerB.JPG

I'm thinking this is most likely in the rear harness.......pinched somewhere under the rocker panel cover, or where the rear seat and the harness must pass. I'm not familiar with those later cars. You will have to remove the rear seat to inspect, and possibly the rear side panel.

Does it blow fuses, smoke, or smell?

 

[Coronet 14]

On my 72 Coronet the tail light harness runs along the left side of the trunk. Through the trunk. The harness wires then hook to the left taillight assy. Then over to the right taillight assy and into the trunk to the right rear marker light. You should have a ground on the left side of the trunk. On my Coronet The Stop lamps, Dome light, trunk lamp, hazard flasher, front turnsignals and turnsignals lamps are all on the same 20 Amp circuit.

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