No Brake Lights - 1969 F250 Camper Special

[Rob-a-Billy]

I am a "newbie". New to Ford; new to this forum; new to this problem.

There aren't enough words to express my gratitude to the creator of this site for the overwhelming wealth of information that it offers to guys like me. THANK YOU! (yes, I am yelling - because I mean it that much)

The truck is a purist's dream. Everything that one could hope for is original. Yesterday I had new tires put on it and when they dropped the spare it was the original split ring rim and the spare was the original tubed-tire! I am very fortunate to have such a complete vehicle.

Ok, here goes the what's-up...

I have no brake lights when the brake is pressed.

I have a pretty fancy (too many features for my little brain, but the basics are there) multi-meter so resistance and voltage checks are accurate.

~Tail-light bulbs are both ok.
~Sockets look brand-new.
~Resistance-checked the AGX-20A fuse - ok.
~14.57V at the fuse-block terminal.
~14.57V at the red wire to the brake switch.
~14.57V at the red/blk wire at emergency flasher switch (brake switch closed)
~Resistance-checked the Emergency Flasher - ok.

>When the headlights are on I have normal tail-lights (no change in illumination when brake pedal depressed)
>Turn signals work all-around, cancel as they should
>Emergency Flashers work on front ambers only

Everything else works just fine; Courtesy/Dome Light, Instrument Panel Lights; License Plate Light, Cargo Light, Heater Fan, Cigar Lighter, A/M Radio Brake Warning Light, - all ok.

I am at my troubleshooting end... any suggestions?

[fordman]

ah but do you have power to the rear sockets. that is where your problem is. check the wiring under the bed when they pulled down the sapre they must have messed something up.

[basketcase0302]

Rob-A-Billy,

From this wiring diagram:
http://www.fordification.com/images/sch ... odel99.jpg
I'd start at wire #282(a green wire), and go back from the rear sockets where Fordman said.

I'd think you might find the problem in the turn signal switch.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

[Rob-a-Billy]

I took possession of the truck on Sunday and the brake lights were not working then. I drove the truck home during the day and used the headlight switch to turn on the parking lights as my braking lights when I came to a stop. The tires were done yesterday - so - unfortunately, I can't blame LesSchwab... moreover, I can't pin it to the wiring in the back.

The tail-lights work. There is power at the connector behind the light switch where 810A and 810 meet. There is no power at the blue connector (F) 5 & 9 from the turn-signal switch. Would that be the best likely answer? Turn-signal switch? It seems odd to me that the brake lights would go through the turn signal. I'm not sure if I am reading the electrical schematic correctly...

<<<Thanks for your reply>>>

Rob

[Rob-a-Billy]

Jeff:

I was typing while your reply arrived - missed it but I think we are all on the same path of thinking.

Does the juice for the brake lights go through the turn signal switch in the column? Is 282, in fact, the brake light wire?

Rob

[Rob-a-Billy]

If I were to replace the turn signal switch, would I have to replace the entire harness for the steering column? The Dolman switch only shows 2 wires and when I pulled the steering wheel I saw more than just 2. It appeared that the cancel cam was attached to the switch below; are these 2 different parts?

Thanks again,
Rob

[fordman]

yes the cancel cam can be replaced by itself. but its not a good thing to do. but the new switches have the wiring and the cancel cam with them. and they are all one piece all the way to the bottom of the column.

[Rob-a-Billy]

Any suggestions for a local supply? Schuck's, NAPA, CarQuest? With Christmas coming I can't see ordering online and waiting for UPS.

[Rob-a-Billy]

Found it! $10.99 just down the street - thanks to all for the help.

Rob

[Thunderfoot]

Hey Rob,

Before you replace parts, please check the Green-Red stripe wire (10) that goes from the Turn Signal Connector (Blue) as it goes up the column to the Turn Signal Switch for power when you apply the brakes. This is wire 10 on this same wire drawing, this is where the power from the brake switch and the hazards for the rear lights gets it power from, 810 and 810A power this wire. The connection could be bad there or the wire could be broke in the column.

The thing is that this power goes up to one side (right side) of the switch and is bridged over to the other (left side) so it would be a little odd that both sides don't work...

Wire “282â€

[fordman]

that 10.99 part you got is the turn sgnal cam. be careful to do it right. if you put it in. those are a pain sometimes. and can cause you more problems than you had before.

[rjewkes]

on the barke light are you certtain the switch on te pedal is functioning?


and doesn't the brake and turn have two seperate fuses?

[kaptnkaos]

Have you checked the brake-light switch itself???
those will go out before anything else...
Those are only a couple of bucks...
My buddy with a'69 F-100 4x4 flatbed dump bump was having the same problems...
We replaced the switch and the lights worked just fine.

KaptnKA S

[Rob-a-Billy]

Hello all...

on the barke light are you certtain the switch on te pedal is functioning?

Yes, the brake light switch proves good. I tried to do the very basic troubleshooting first. Good idea to remind me of the very simplest things, though. And I wish this were that simple.

Rob

[Rob-a-Billy]

Another idea/attempt...

Before you replace parts, please check the Green-Red stripe wire (10) that goes from the Turn Signal Connector (Blue) as it goes up the column to the Turn Signal Switch for power when you apply the brakes. This is wire 10 on this same wire drawing, this is where the power from the brake switch and the hazards for the rear lights gets it power from, 810 and 810A power this wire. The connection could be bad there or the wire could be broke in the column. etc...

The 10 wire (Grn/Red stripe) has ample voltage when tested from the turn signal terminal inside the steering wheel; blue connector coupled; brake light switch closed.

Thanks for enlightening me about the reason for the circuit to pass through the T/SSw - that makes perfect sense.

Still stumbling with this mystery... going to go check continuity from the other terminals in the original T/SSw... I'll keep y'all posted.