Brake light problem on 1967 L79 corvette

[Joseph E.]

I recently realized that the brake lights on my 1967 corvette are not working correctly. The following describes what is happening:

With the parking lights off: the passenger side pair of brake lights comes on when the brake is applied, however, the driver side brake lights do not come on. When the turn blinkers are applied, the passenger side comes on, front and rear, and flashes correctly and the driver side, front and rear, comes on and flashes correctly. The bulbs in each of the rear tail lights have been checked and all four function correctly.

With the parking lights on: all parking lights, both front and rear, light correctly. When the brake is applied, the passenger brake lights brighten up. The driver side brake lights remain on but they do not brighten up. Turn signals work correctly and blink properly front, rear, driver and passenger.

I'm thinking that the brake light switch is faulty since all of the other functions of the lights operate correctly with the exception of the driver side brake lights coming on or brightening up. Member opinions would be most appreciated. Thank you. Joe

[Richard M.]

Joe,

It's not the Brake Lamp switch. That is working since it lights up the passenger side with brake applied.

The Directional switch is fed by the Brake Lamp switch. The internal contacts of the directional switch then feed the lamps, front and rear through the flasher. When the directional switch is centered, it then feeds both of the rear brake light circuits. Separate internal contacts feed the brake lamps.

Your problem is in the directional switch, or the wiring connectors from it under the dash, at the Yellow wire, terminal 3 of the curved connector. It may be clipped up high at the top of the left side pedal bracket.

However, I doubt it's the connector since the left(driver side) directional works.

Sometimes, wiggling the directional lever can make a better internal contact to that left rear side.

Check the underdash connector first. But ultimately, your directional switch may need replacement.

This diagram shows the switch operation. Purple from the flasher feeds the switch, but when centered, white feeds it from the Brake switch. That separate internal contact inside the switch, from White to Yellow when centered, is likely compromised. Wiggling the lever may fix it, but not permanently.

Rich
P.S. I made some edits. I got my lefts and rights mixed up.
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