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Author
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Topic: Problem with tail lights, 4 way flashers, etc
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skips69
Gearhead Posts: 274
From: Catlin, IL USA
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-21-2002 09:04 PM
   
I went to start my car today (69' Sportsroof) and the battery was almost completely dead. It hadn't been started for about 2 weeks, but had been starting/running just fine (since the Pertronix upgrade). Anyway, I removed the negative battery cable from the battery and hooked the charger up for about 6 hours. Laetr, it started with no problem. Walking around the car, I realized that the brake lights were staying on (or so I thought). So, that's what killed the battery. I had this problem twice before in the last 2 years, and always worked the brake pedal a few times to make them go out. This time, no dice, so I pulled the brake light switch from behind the brake pedal. It didn't appear to be damaged in any way and the spring was working good. I cleaned it and replaced it. The lights stayed on, with it removed and now back on. I replaced the under dash turn signal and 4 way mechanisms (the correct name escapes me for them at the moment). Still staying on. I then got a mirror so I could work the brake pedal and see if the lights got brighter when depressed. They did, so it is not the brake lights, but instead tail lights apparently. The headlights are not staying on, just the tail lights. Turned the headlights on, everything works up front as it should, as do all side marker lights. When the right side turn signal is turned on, botht he front and rear flash as they should and the LH side stays lit up. When you turn the turn signal to the left, the tail light stays lit (does not flash), and the front marker light comes on, but does not flash. When the 4 ways are turned on, the rear tail lights stay on (without flashing) and the front marker lights do not come on. Thinking it may be the turn signal wiring harness now, I unplugged it at the base of the column to see what would happen. The LH side tail light went out, the RH side stayed on. Plugged it back in, both stay on like they were. Any similiar problems like this anyone? Any ideas? Turn signal switch harness? Chase grounds? (oh boy!) There is a show I wanted to participate in tomorrow, so if this doesn't magically dissapear tonight, I won't be there as a participant, but rather a spectator. I am taking all suggestions (please). Maybe after I have slept on it, something new will come to me. Sorry for the long post, just wanted to get out as much detail as I could. Newer wiring harness by the way, 3 or 4 years ago.
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skips69
Gearhead Posts: 274
From: Catlin, IL USA
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-21-2002 09:08 PM
All fuses are good, and I replaced the turn signal and emergency flasher solenoids as mentioned. All bulbs in every light are good and comes on when it should. Headlight dimmer switch working............dome light working...........just thinking..........
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skips69
Gearhead Posts: 274
From: Catlin, IL USA
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-22-2002 05:42 PM
Got up at 5:00 a.m., started chasing grounds, replacing bulbs, etc, etc. Even got my dash pad and instrument cluster out before it was all over. Long story short, it was the brake lights and the culprit was a wire under the LH sill plate that had rubbed through the sheathing and was arcing in the rocker valley. A quick solder job, fresh tape, reinstallation of everything and I got to the show with 10 minutes to spare for registration. Just thought I would share. I know how these electrical gremlins can make you crazy.
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 33988
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-23-2002 12:54 PM
Good detective work, Skip!  ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1, '72 Mustang Sprint, '94 F-150
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MCA Member # 47773
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