The Ford Barn

SeaSlugs · 05-12-2017, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

That's like I don't understand all the newer cars w/their complicated "multi-function" stalks on the steering column, rather than individual switches.
I was told it's "European" styling, big deal, I prefer the older "North American" styling, less complicated, even a dummy like me can find which switch to turn on.

agreed, GM at least in the trucks doesnt like change - hasnt really changed alot in them for 50+ years...

i hate those cars with the wiper control on the right side that looks like a gear shift should be there.

Johns30 · 05-25-2017, 06:20 AM

Bringing this old thread back to life just for an UPDATE on my problem in case anyone in the future uses this thread in a search:

I had already fixed the bad ground last summer but since then have just kept my lights on while driving so that my brake lights would also work. (The problem was my brake lights wouldn't work unless headlights were also turned on.)

I finally got around to taking my light switch housing apart to see what the wiring looks like. I found that the wire for the brake lights was 1)really loose almost falling off the terminal and 2) I believe it was actually connected to the wrong terminal. I crimped it a bit and put it securely on the correct terminal per diagram and now everything seems to work as it should.

It sure is a nice feeling to get something figured out/ fixed (even if it takes almost a year LOL

but that's the way it goes sometimes with job and kids and house and, and, and...)

wmws · 05-25-2017, 09:21 AM

Congratulations. Yes it is a great feeling when you get it figured out. And even more so when you are busily with life and only have limited time to work on the car.

Patrick L. · 05-25-2017, 10:52 AM

Yep, glad you found it. With these simple old cars its usually something pretty simple.

FRANK PKNY · 05-25-2017, 11:47 AM

You need to start here,
1 you should have power to the tail light switch all the time, if not the problem can be isolated prior to the switch, if yes, go to the tail light on the drivers side and unplug the connectors up under the rear where the junctions are. Mark them so when you go back together you get them correct. Take a long wire jumper and go from the negative pole on the battery to one of the pig tails on the light connect it, Assuming you have a positive ground). You should get one of the two bulbs in that light to fire up. Then do the same on the second pigtail, you should get that one to fire up. If not try making a temporary ground wire go from one of the screws that hold the bezzle on wrap a wire on the screw and go to the frame with an alligator clip to the frame wiggle it around so you get a good connection. If then the light comes on when you have your jumper wire to the battery on one of the pigtails your problem is the ground. Do the same on the other side. by doing it this way you can isolate the problem. I have found that the connectors sometimes get corroded they plug into a female on all the wires there is a male end on the wire and a female connector, I clean them up well or replace the female end (I keep a stock of them) and clean the male end then that gives you a better connection. I put dielectric grease on all the plugs female inside them that keeps from getting water into them and causing corrosion. Hope I made this easy enough. It's just common sense. Report back so we can know if we helped you! Frank PKNY

05-25-2017, 06:20 AM	#22
Johns30 Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 32	Re: Stop light and tail light problem Bringing this old thread back to life just for an UPDATE on my problem in case anyone in the future uses this thread in a search: I had already fixed the bad ground last summer but since then have just kept my lights on while driving so that my brake lights would also work. (The problem was my brake lights wouldn't work unless headlights were also turned on.) I finally got around to taking my light switch housing apart to see what the wiring looks like. I found that the wire for the brake lights was 1)really loose almost falling off the terminal and 2) I believe it was actually connected to the wrong terminal. I crimped it a bit and put it securely on the correct terminal per diagram and now everything seems to work as it should. It sure is a nice feeling to get something figured out/ fixed (even if it takes almost a year LOL but that's the way it goes sometimes with job and kids and house and, and, and...)

05-25-2017, 09:21 AM	#23
wmws BANNED Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Coatesville, Pa Posts: 719	Re: Stop light and tail light problem Congratulations. Yes it is a great feeling when you get it figured out. And even more so when you are busily with life and only have limited time to work on the car.

05-25-2017, 10:52 AM	#24
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Stop light and tail light problem Yep, glad you found it. With these simple old cars its usually something pretty simple.

05-25-2017, 11:47 AM	#25
FRANK PKNY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: POUGHKEEPSIE NY 12601 Posts: 1,016	Re: Stop light and tail light problem You need to start here, 1 you should have power to the tail light switch all the time, if not the problem can be isolated prior to the switch, if yes, go to the tail light on the drivers side and unplug the connectors up under the rear where the junctions are. Mark them so when you go back together you get them correct. Take a long wire jumper and go from the negative pole on the battery to one of the pig tails on the light connect it, Assuming you have a positive ground). You should get one of the two bulbs in that light to fire up. Then do the same on the second pigtail, you should get that one to fire up. If not try making a temporary ground wire go from one of the screws that hold the bezzle on wrap a wire on the screw and go to the frame with an alligator clip to the frame wiggle it around so you get a good connection. If then the light comes on when you have your jumper wire to the battery on one of the pigtails your problem is the ground. Do the same on the other side. by doing it this way you can isolate the problem. I have found that the connectors sometimes get corroded they plug into a female on all the wires there is a male end on the wire and a female connector, I clean them up well or replace the female end (I keep a stock of them) and clean the male end then that gives you a better connection. I put dielectric grease on all the plugs female inside them that keeps from getting water into them and causing corrosion. Hope I made this easy enough. It's just common sense. Report back so we can know if we helped you! Frank PKNY __________________ [email protected]