Hi again, I think i am getting addicted to this site. It is a great help while rebuilding my engine getting info, etc. I am almost ready to register my old 72 f100 and drive it for old times sake and of course to move crap to-and-frow all the live long day. However I have had an annoying tail light/blinker problem for a considerably long time. I have read the article on this pae which discusses diagnosing the tail lights but I still can't figure out what is the problem. When i hit on the brake pedal, my rear RIGHT brake light works, left nope. However when I engage the turn signal cam, my LEFT blinker works, and the right doesn't. My dash arrow indicators both function properly, and i can hear the relay clicking away. I have figured that since the PHYSICAL WIRE going to the brake/turn is the same wire, the conection at least until the firewall is good. After this, there is a mess of wires which goes into the steering column. I be replaced the turn signal cam inside the column already, but there is a contact switch thingie just underneath this cam. Is it possible that this thingie, which has no replacement part in any store, is the problem? Is there a way to figure this out? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, considering my failures to retain original functionality, I've been toying with the idea of drilling new holes in the taillight housing, wiring a new brake light switch, and running new tail lights to which ever wire under that dash flashes when the cam is engaged. and unplugging the old lights with two filaments in them.... I have always hated ford genius idea of 2 lamps in 1 bulb thing with 3 functions in the same bulb...

Oh by the way, my fuses and bulbs are good.

 

Sounds like dirty connections. You only have 3 wires going to the rear of the truck.

1- tail light and license plate lite
2- left brake and turn signal
3- right brake and turn signal

So if they work part time, you gotta know this line is up. Getting them to work all of the time can take some doing. Don't fret while it can take some time, it generally doesn't cost much cashola.

Start at the bulb socket, work it with a battery terminal brush or something similar, and follow the wire back to the front checking it every inch till you make them work all of the time.

John

 

The contact "thingie" you speak of is part of the turn signal switch.

btw: Ford never sold the canceling cam by itself, it only was sold with the switch.

>>> The turn signal switch is STILL available from Ford = D0TZ13341B .. Signal Switch <<<

FTE sponsor DIRECTFORDPARTS shows the switch at: List $57.72 / FTE member net $40.79

 

Yeah I see a brass contact point on my turn signal switch which has melted its way through the plastic molding. I physically shorted the wire to see if my lights would come on, and whatya know? they came on! now I have to buy the "thingie". Im always ready to put money into this project cause I've already put in 1400 and what would an extra 45.00 do? In this case, it'll keep the cops from getting all up in my junk, so its worth it. Thanks guys for your help.