Turn Signal Switch from Hell

[Doorkicker]

Ok.. 66 Charger.

Part 1 (2yr ago) - Limited lights working, etc. Replaced turn signal switch, boom.. everything works... break lights, turn signals, etc.
Part 2 (1 yr ago) - Brake lights stop working and one turn signal. Replaced turn signal switch, boom... everything works.
Part 2.5 (6 mo ago) - I decide to rebuild the entire real light assembly and put in new brake pedal switch. Lights looks amazing, works like a champ. Me = happy.
Part 3 (1 mo ago) - Brake lights stop working. Replace fuse, boom, start working.
Part 4 (today) - Brake lights stop working. Turn signals work, running lights work... no brake lights. Check fuse - fuse ok. Check brake pedal switch, works fine.

Starting to think turn signal switch again... but dayum... 3 new switches in as many years? Does that seem even logical? I checked the hi-low beam switch too... seems fine.

 

[RemCharger]

Bad connection at fuse holders can wreak havoc..

 

[QuickBpBp]

After that I can see why you have that name!! That said those aftermarket switches are junk BUT I think like said above a bad ground can overheat things, burn fuses and wreak havoc on what works and when.. I had a loose ground on one of my mowers and if it was wet out NO problem when it dried out the starter failed to turn the engine over. Took me a week to figure it out after dealing with it as it was intermittent...

 

[Billccm]

Buy a great quality switch from @Slantsixdan

 

[toolmanmike]

Ok.. 66 Charger.

Part 1 (2yr ago) - Limited lights working, etc. Replaced turn signal switch, boom.. everything works... break lights, turn signals, etc.
Part 2 (1 yr ago) - Brake lights stop working and one turn signal. Replaced turn signal switch, boom... everything works.
Part 2.5 (6 mo ago) - I decide to rebuild the entire real light assembly and put in new brake pedal switch. Lights looks amazing, works like a champ. Me = happy.
Part 3 (1 mo ago) - Brake lights stop working. Replace fuse, boom, start working.
Part 4 (today) - Brake lights stop working. Turn signals work, running lights work... no brake lights. Check fuse - fuse ok. Check brake pedal switch, works fine.

Starting to think turn signal switch again... but dayum... 3 new switches in as many years? Does that seem even logical? I checked the hi-low beam switch too... seems fine.

You would have to diagnose the loss of signal at the TS switch connector at the base of the column with a test light, multimeter, or a Power Probe. That will tell you if the switch is bad. I could almost bet the switch is bad. Those aftermarket switches are often junk. But luck is in your favor. Slantsixdan has a new batch of quality switches for sale. See here. FOR SALE - New OE Turn Signal Switches '62-'63 and '64-'69 (They're baa-aaack!)

Just curious, what brand are your switches and where have you been buying then?

 

[dadsbee]

You sure it's not the connector in the, wait for it, kickpanel??

 

[toolmanmike]

You sure it's not the connector in the, wait for it, kickpanel??

Something I need to check. Do the brake lights go through there or all the rear lights?

 

[dadsbee]

Something I need to check. Do the brake lights go through there or all the rear lights?

Imagine no different than 68/70, all rear lights. Rear harness plugs in to the dash harness in the kick panel.

 

[twecomm]

Hey Doorkicker.. Last year I posted this, may help..

Recently had problem with L rear brake lamps not woking when braking on my 66 Charger. Looked over the schematics and decided had to be a problem with the turn signal switch which is original to the car. Shop manual has little detail on the switch or schematic of the switch. Thought I would do a write up on the process of removing steering wheel and the repair of the switch. The info on the switch is likely applicable for many other same era Mopars. I did purchase a proper replacement, but since I was able to repair the original, I'll just keep it with my spare electrical parts in case ever needed.
Here is a link to DropBox where you can down load the PDF I created. When you go to the link below, it can be viewed or downloaded by clicking the down pointing arrow in upper right bar. Another window will pop up asking to join or sign up. At the bottom click on "Or continue with Download only".
Hope it helps someone out..
Dropbox

 

[Sam69sat]

Ok.. 66 Charger.

Part 4 (today) - Brake lights stop working. Turn signals work, running lights work... no brake lights. Check fuse - fuse ok. Check brake pedal switch, works fine.

I believe the brake lights and turn signals share the same filament so it would seem the grounds and connections to the rear are ok. Do you have 12v coming out of the brake switch (white wire???) when the brake pedal is pressed?