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

Tail light problems

Old Jan 5, 2003 | 11:42 AM
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anitatoke
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Post Tail light problems

I have a 85 Econoline Van, my problem is when I turned on my lights, head lights working, marker lights working, signals working, hazards working, tail lights NOT working. When I steped on the brake, the passenger side brake light went on but not the drivers side. I`ve checked the fusebox, the fuses looked okay. All the writing on the fusebox has worn off, and I don`t know what is what. I checked the Haynes Repair Manual but when it comes to what fuse goes where it said to see owners manual, I don`t one. I`ve called all the wreckers in my area and they don`t have any. Can anybody help me!
 
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Old Jan 5, 2003 | 03:55 PM
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Tail light problems

The brakes are powered by the fuse in the lower R corner farthest from the flasher unit (big round thing), but if one works, then the fuse is good. The hazard switch splits the brake light power so it goes to each side, so that's what I think is the problem. It's integrated into the turn signal switch assembly, so if it's bad, it'll be a pain to change. Try snapping the hazard switch in & out a few times to see if the contacts clean up. If you look in your Haynes, you can find the wiring diagram for the brake lights and test the wires & the switch electrically. The brake fuse is a 15A; the hazard fuse (2nd away from the flasher going down along the side) is 15A, too.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2003 | 05:38 PM
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Tail light problems

Don't overlook that the bulb filament made be bad too.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2003 | 06:35 PM
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Tail light problems

Check the light bulb dah!!!!!!
 
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Old Jan 5, 2003 | 09:54 PM
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Tail light problems

Yep...just for giggles change the bulbs on both sides. A crossed filament can cause some screwy problems. Make sure the lighting system for your tail lights can find a good ground. Econolines are famous for tail light problems. The bulb sockets also will give problems so check them out too. best of luck
 
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Old Jan 6, 2003 | 06:18 PM
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Tail light problems

Welcome to FTE Anitatoke!

I find if it isn't the bulb, it's almost always the ground.

Good luck and welcome!

Chuck
 
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 11:16 AM
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Tail light problems

Agreed, if not bulbs it's probably the ground.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 11:48 AM
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Tail light problems

 
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