66 brake lamp failure

[Ed K.]

All rear lights work except right rear brake light.

Problem began when I was told no brake lights by a following motorist. I found right rear bulb burnt to solid white color and no left brake light. Installed new bulbs both sides and all worked OK at first but now no right rear brake lamp. All else OK including right rear running lights.
I confirmed another set of bulbs OK, installed the new lamps again, but still have problem.

[Tom E.]

Re: 66 brake lamp failure

The white substance in the bulb is likely tungsten oxide, occurs when the bulb gets oxygen from a crack or broken base and probably has nothing to do with that light not working. I would suspect a corroded socket base or perhaps a broken wire. Have you probed the socket with a voltmeter to see if you have 12V? If the rest of the lights work it has to be isolated to that light fixture or it’s lead wire.
Tom

[Richard M.]

Re: 66 brake lamp failure

Ed, with IGN OFF, step on the pedal then wiggle the directional lever and L & R and observe the rear lamps. You may have a bad directional switch in the column or loose connection in the wiring.

Rich

[Ed K.]

Re: 66 brake lamp failure

Ed, with IGN OFF, step on the pedal then wiggle the directional lever and L & R and observe the rear lamps. You may have a bad directional switch in the column or loose connection in the wiring.

Rich

Thank you. As about to wiggle lever I found stalk in right turn signaling position. Returned stalk to off and stop light very happy now. Apparently as moving slippery repro floor mat back into its proper location I unknowing moved the lever.

[Richard M.]

Re: 66 brake lamp failure

Ed, Glad it turned out to be a simple reason. Directional switches can be a bit painful to change.

Rich

[Ed K.]

Re: 66 brake lamp failure

Thank you. As posted it was an extremely easy fix