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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Lighting issues

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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 02:27 PM
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Lighting issues

hello
My brake lights and rear 4 way flashers quit working,,any thoughts on where I can look..I had steering wheel off and tested wiring in there, no problem. Seems okay at brake light switch.. Anyone else had this problem/solution
Thanks

1985 F150 4x4 300 4 sp. 'Durasparkles 11
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 03:19 PM
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Make sure that the bulb's filaments [brake; not running] did not burn out together... rare, but it does happen. Check the grounds at the rear of the truck. If equipped with trailer wiring, check the connections carefully.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 04:40 PM
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Filaments are good,,the trailer housing is metal and attached to bumper so I assume that is the ground for trailer,,there are no ground wires...Rear Tail and signal lights work as well as reverse lights.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 07:33 PM
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User-added trailer wiring (where it ties into the main harness) is responsible for a large number of these kinds of problems, a failed turn signal switch can also manifest itself this way.

Brake lights & emergency flashers don't work but the turn signals do, correct?

I'm assuming you've first checked the fuses...................
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 07:37 PM
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Yes, do the rear turn signals work? That would verify the bulbs and most of the wiring at the rear is ok.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2011 | 10:55 AM
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Rear signals work,,rear running and reverse lights work,,just no brake lights or rear emergency lights.I know it has to be a simple fix,,,guess I just too simple!
 
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Old Nov 3, 2011 | 06:34 PM
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Since the rear turns work, that means the bulbs and the wiring to the rear is good, and there is a problem in the steering column. Probably the turnsignal switch and or the emergency/hazard switch. They are what mix the brake and the turnsignals together and send it to the rear lights.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2011 | 09:10 AM
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AH HA!!! Took the steering wheel off and one of the contacts on the turn signal cam thingy had broken free,,I had soldered it on last year and did not notice this when I took steering wheel off earlier in the week..new spectacles arriving next week,,none too soon!
 
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