Topic: HELP!!! No Brake Lights!
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
At the last stop today during the Midwest Gathering, I was told I had no brake lights. When we got back to the hotel, I checked the fuse. It looked good, but I replaced anyway. Still no luck.
Reverse Lights, Turns Signals, etc work. By the time I got up from under the dash, most of the folks had gone into the hotel, so while I've got some good minds here, only a few know as of yet that there's a problem. I figure I'll put this out to the rest of ya'll now and see if you can think of some things I can check.
I've got a 4-5 hour drive home tomorrow, so I really hope this is something I can get working easily (as if fixing anything on a Corvette is!).
Thanks
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
I had checked the brake light switch and the plunger was working, but that seems to be the prevailing thought here as well. $8.99 at Auto Zone (and they had 2 in stock). It's dark now, so I guess we try to install in the am. Hope that works.
Can't believe the dang part only lasted 36 years! Good news is, the replacement switch has a LIFETIME warranty
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
It's either the brake switch, or the turn signal switch. The brake lights operate thru the turn sig switch...this keeps the front turn sigs from coming on when you hit the brakes. I'd definitely be looking at the brake switch as the most likely culprit. Unplug the switch, and jumper the two wires on it...if the brake lights come on, then the switch is bad. IF they do not come on with it jumpered, then there is no power getting to the switch.
Try turning the hazzard flashers on, and pushing the brake pedal. The hazzards should stay on with the brake pedal mashed. If all else fails, you can use the hazzard lights as "emergency"brake lights.
Good Luck!
Try turning the hazzard flashers on, and pushing the brake pedal. The hazzards should stay on with the brake pedal mashed. If all else fails, you can use the hazzard lights as "emergency"brake lights.
Good Luck!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Replaced the switch and the lights now work again!
Good (not) news is, in the process, I bumped the speedo cable loose (it was in there precariously from when I replaced it three years ago). Oh well, now I don't need the radar detector on the way home!!
Guess it's just the car's way of telling me that I need to hurry up on those dashboard repairs I've been considering
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Glad ya got the lights working, anyway....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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in Forum: C3 Electrical
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