no right rear brake lights or signal

[Steve C.]

hello everyone..this is my first post so i hope i do it correct. i've looked at archived threads and now i'm at a loss.
i have a 1965 roadster with telescopic steering. i replaced the turn signal switch last may and everything has worked
great up to now. all my running lights, turn signals and brake lights work except my right rear brake lights and signal. i've also replaced the flasher. any ideas ?? i'm out of ideas. thank you
steve chaney..68070

[Don H.]

Re: no right rear brake lights or signal

Does the tail light work (2 filaments in that bulb)? Have you tried a bulb? Check the ground. Good luck, Don H.

[Steve C.]

Re: no right rear brake lights or signal

thanks don... i'll check those items.. rt. rear tail lights work. just no brake indication or turn signal

[Richard M.]

Re: no right rear brake lights or signal

Steve, Welcome to the TDB! ......

Do you have optional Backup Lamps? If not, 2 bulbs involved. I doubt both bulbs are bad but check those first. Ground is good since the Tail Lamps work.

Does your Dash Indicator Lamp come on with Right Directional on?

Here's a diagram below to help diagnose your issue. You can test it with a Test Light or a Voltmeter.

Note the Right rear Stop/Directional circuit is the Dark Green wiring. Check the underdash connector for voltage there on Green. If none there it would indicate either a bad connection or the directional switch went bad... again.

If voltage is there then it would indicate a open between that body connector (Green wire)and the rear harness to the lamp sockets.

Rich

[Steve C.]

Re: no right rear brake lights or signal

wow !! thanks rich. i'm terrible with wiring but even i can understand your diagram. i will start under the dash.
also in answering your questions.. i don't have optional back up lights and the turn indicator blinks on the instrument cluster with the right directional on... thank you so much
steve

[Kent S.]

Re: no right rear brake lights or signal

Before you get too far in, I'd check the bulb as suggested earlier.

[Steve C.]

Re: no right rear brake lights or signal

i love a story ( or potential ) nightmare with a happy ending... i read and reread all your helpful advice, studied rich's diagram and went for it.
i figured with no power or a bad connection on the dark green wire i was hosed anyway. turns out when i tie wrapped that cluster plug loosely to my column apparently i put some strain on that green wire. it was still in the plug but i pressed it in tighter and that was it. gonna figure out how to tie it it up now without any strain....thanks again guys. much appreciated
also i just wanted to share something about that switch install that might help someone down the road. when i got the car the telescopic wheel didn't work. when i unlocked it and pulled back on the wheel the snap ring pulled the upper bearing out of the switch and the switch housing didn't move. found out i needed that upper bearing plate. fixed that. when i put in the new switch one of the 10-32's or 24 ,,can't remember wasn't grabbing good thread in the blind hole. so long story longer i used a longer screw and found good thread deeper down in the hole. i also used a star washer to help keep it tight.... hope this helps someone.
thanks guys..steve

[Richard M.]

Re: no right rear brake lights or signal

Good find. Glad it was simple. Actually easier than changing bulbs.

Rich