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Topic: Break Light Frustration

in Forum: C3 Electrical


Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/22/03 8:58pm Message 1 of 19
Former Member
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Wichita Falls, TX - USA
Joined: 2/22/2003
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1973 Corvette Coup
Greetings,

I have a 1973 Corvette and all exterior lights work except for the break lights. The outer rear lights come on when the headlights are on but they do not brighten when the break peddle is pressed like they should. The inner two lights do not come on at all. All other exterior lights function properly. I have installed a new break light switch but dont have any documentation of the electrical system and am looking for some options. Do any of you guys have electrical diagrams?

Thanks in advance for any assistance provided. :)


Jim Hall |EM|jim.hall@mwsu.edu|/EM|

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Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/24/03 12:19am Message 2 of 19
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Joined: 4/11/2002
Posts: 327
Hello Jim !
I will send you on your e-mail a electrical diagram hope that will help you good luck |thumb|
Normand


Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/24/03 12:11pm Message 3 of 19
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BRADENTON, FL - USA
Joined: 8/4/2002
Posts: 669
Vette(s): 1972 convertible 350 auto trans, delux int, air, ps, pb, t/t wheel, pw, 79,000 org miles Rare one year only color
i know this sound simple but have you checked the fuse?


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Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/24/03 12:26pm Message 4 of 19
Former Member
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Wichita Falls, TX - USA
Joined: 2/22/2003
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1973 Corvette Coup
Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies. This forum is GREAT! I checked the fuse and it looks good. I will look forward to the wiring diagram arriving in my email.

Cheers! :)
Jim


Jim Hall |EM|jim.hall@mwsu.edu|/EM|

Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/24/03 1:26pm Message 5 of 19
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Burke, VT - USA
Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7283
Vette(s): SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Sold - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am
"BLUBYU" - '04 Coupe
Hate to ask the obvious, but did you put a meter on the fuse? Sometimes a fuse can look good but be burned out close to either end where you can't see it.


Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/24/03 1:45pm Message 6 of 19
Former Member
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BRADENTON, FL - USA
Joined: 8/4/2002
Posts: 669
Vette(s): 1972 convertible 350 auto trans, delux int, air, ps, pb, t/t wheel, pw, 79,000 org miles Rare one year only color
i would also run a jumper across the switch leads to eliminate this as a problem. even though you replaced it. there aren't many other things to check other than wires broken or bulbs..speaking of which have you checked the rear lamps (bulbs and ground). i had tail lamp problems untill i removed the bulbs and cleaned the sockets and got a good commection.


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Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/24/03 7:14pm Message 7 of 19
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Eastern part of, CT - USA
Joined: 1/29/2002
Posts: 319
Vette(s): White 73 convertible - 350/auto, A/C PS, PB, PW, leather, t/t, two tops Also had a 69 t-top 20 years ago
If the rear turn signals go on and off, there is nothing wrong with the wiring to the back. If the fuse is good, check the connector going into the steering column for broken or pinched wires. Use a voltmeter at the brake light switch to see if there is power to that point. BTW, the inner "lights" are just reflectors, and never go on. Joe


Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/24/03 7:16pm Message 8 of 19
Former Member
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Eastern part of, CT - USA
Joined: 1/29/2002
Posts: 319
Vette(s): White 73 convertible - 350/auto, A/C PS, PB, PW, leather, t/t, two tops Also had a 69 t-top 20 years ago
Also, if the turn signals don't go on and off, check that you have a dual filament (#1157) bulb in there, both filaments are good, and it is in the correct way. Joe


Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/24/03 7:48pm Message 9 of 19
Former Member
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Wichita Falls, TX - USA
Joined: 2/22/2003
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1973 Corvette Coup
All four rear bubbles have lights in them. The two inner bubbles have single filament and the two outer have dual filament bulbs. They are all new as of this weekend. Still no inner lights and no break lights but when the headlights are on, the rear driving lights are on in the outer two.

I will begin to try the suggestions that you have given me. This is my first experience with this forum and I greatly appreciate your willingness to assist.

Can't work on the Vette tonight though, its 13 degrees and snowing up a storm outside and my workshop is COOOOLD! :)

Have a great evening,


Jim Hall |EM|jim.hall@mwsu.edu|/EM|

Break Light Frustration

Posted: 2/25/03 9:25am Message 10 of 19
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Burke, VT - USA
Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7283
Vette(s): SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Sold - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am
"BLUBYU" - '04 Coupe
 BoogyMan said: All four rear bubbles have lights in them. The two inner bubbles have single filament and the two outer have dual filament bulbs. They are all new as of this weekend. ... 


Going out on a limb here, but sounds like you may have had a custom job done to the rear lights. The stock setup should look like what you see in the above sig pics:
- outside lights red dual purpose running light and brake/turn signal (dual filament bulbs);
- inside lights white center backup light with red reflector around the outside (single filament bulbs).

If you have all RED lenses in back there may be a custom wiring problem that will need to be sorted out one wire at a time. It could be that something is shorting out or just connected wrong that is causing things to be fouled up.

Jim O.
Save the Wave...!!!
|wavey|

|UPDATED|2/25/2003 9:25:14 AM|/UPDATED|



Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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