New member, big problem
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
New member, big problem
Hello and I'm glad I found this forum. I have a 79 F-100 with 82,000 original miles that I just bought from California. The reason being, rust free. I have a big problem though I can't get the brake lights to work or the flashers. I have replaced the turn signal switch and have even jumped accross the brake switch but still no brake lights. Sometimes when you pull out the flasher **** it will click a couple of times then stop and even then it won't light up the lights. The turn signals work great along with the parking lights but no brake lights. PLEASE help.....
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,945
Likes: 13
hmmm, i had the same problem in a datsun pickup i used to have, as far as the flashers go, i assumed it was the relay, tho i never looked into it... as far as the brake lights... im not sure, im no expert with wiring.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
yes the bulbs are fine. they are a dual filiment single bulb and the turn signal and brake light are on the same filiment. And for 79 there are no relays it's just the flasher which I guess could be used as a relay.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 851
Likes: 15
From: Elkton, MD
check for a flasher just for the hazzard lights, there is one for the turn signals, and one for the 4 ways. Had this happen to me once, as for the brake lights, check the bulbs with 12 volts and check the sockets. I have had bulbs that lood good be bad, and sometimes the sockets get corroded.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
If the turn signals work then the bulbs are fine since the brake lights are on the same filiment. Another thing I found out is if I have the turn signals on and then pull out the flasher **** it will kill the turn signal. Also the flasher is new
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: near Liverpool, England
Look for your second flasher, it's usually directly behind the one that's easily seen, on the opposite side of the fuse panel.............it has one for turn signals & one for your 4-ways 
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: near Liverpool, England
Hello and I'm glad I found this forum. I have a 79 F-100 with 82,000 original miles that I just bought from California. The reason being, rust free. I have a big problem though I can't get the brake lights to work or the flashers. I have replaced the turn signal switch and have even jumped accross the brake switch but still no brake lights. Sometimes when you pull out the flasher **** it will click a couple of times then stop and even then it won't light up the lights. The turn signals work great along with the parking lights but no brake lights. PLEASE help.....
Do the turn signals work on both ends of the truck?? If so, the 4-ways & your brake lights use the circuit for that other flasher .
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
Actually I swapped the flashers to see if that was it but it wasn't. Right now I have perfect access to the wiring harness because I have the dash out of the truck. Boy, I'm just out of ideas and have been messing with this for two months on and off. Some electrical guy told me it was the turn signal switch and I told him I replaced it and he said it must be a bad part. I think it's somewhere else just can't find it.....Also the turn signals work on both ends of the truck
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
Wasour problem exactly as I describe? I will go back and check again but sometimes the flasher will engauge for a couple of clicks but no lights. Did yours do that too?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
I just went out and checked and all fuses are good. Mine is in the lower left of the fuse block and labled "emerg" and is a 20A fuse.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Have you traced the wiring back to the tail lights? Have you checked the ground at the tail light? Do you have an engine-to-cab ground strap (VERY IMPORTANT)? Have a buddy get on the brakes while you check the voltage across the bulb with a meter to see what you're working with.