Taillight Works - Sometimes
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 246
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From: Cincinnati, OH
Taillight Works - Sometimes
I've been fooling with the driver side tailight for months and I still can't get it to work all the time. The turn signal always works, but the taillight doesn't work. Sometimes, I drive the truck around town and when I get home I'll check to see if the tailight is working and it is, but then sometimes it doesn't. If I just start it up and turn the lights in in the driveway, it doesn't work. Neither does the brake light on that side. The bulb is new, both filaments in the bulb look good. I pulled the entire taillight assembly out, cleaned it up, cleaned the socket (bed) and put it back together and still, nothing. I pulled the plug apart, cleaned each half and still, same problem.
Also, not sure if this is related, but the passenger side front parking light never works either, but the turn signal works. That is a BRAND NEW assembly and bulb.
Could the switch inside the dash be bad?
Also, not sure if this is related, but the passenger side front parking light never works either, but the turn signal works. That is a BRAND NEW assembly and bulb.
Could the switch inside the dash be bad?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Help needed in the Cincinnati, OH area
Sometimes we can't see the trees for the forest. Maybe a shout out for another truck owner in the Cincinnati, OH area would prove helpful. Sometimes electrical issues can be a real pita to locate but usually are simple when found.
Dirt is a huge culprit, chaffed wires another. Dirt can cause the lack of grounding. When a system works part time grounding rises to the top.
If I could get my hands on your truck, I suspect we could resolve your issues in an hour or less, but I can't see it from NC.
Hope someone will offer to help you.
John
Dirt is a huge culprit, chaffed wires another. Dirt can cause the lack of grounding. When a system works part time grounding rises to the top.
If I could get my hands on your truck, I suspect we could resolve your issues in an hour or less, but I can't see it from NC.
Hope someone will offer to help you.
John
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
May try checking the taillight sockets. Had simular experience that was driving me up the walls, taillight would start acting up and I would fiddle with the rear bulbs until they both worked, unfortunately it was a short term remedy. Found the bulb sockets were badly corroded and the leads where not making contact with the bulb. Already repaired the sockets on couple occasions so finally decided to replace.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 32
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From: Bozeman,MT
I have the same problem. I replaced the brake light switch on the master cylinder but that didn't help.
Brake lights still works intermittently. I now have the steering wheel off and I am cleaning the turn signal switch. Brake lights operate through the switch( for some reason) and if the switch wears out the brake lights don't work.
It is also my opportunity to replace the delicate plastic turn signal release cam that turns off the signal after a turn. Mine's broken on one side.
I have even replaced the rear wire harness from th firewall back.
So, in my case, it must be the turn signal switch.
Brake lights still works intermittently. I now have the steering wheel off and I am cleaning the turn signal switch. Brake lights operate through the switch( for some reason) and if the switch wears out the brake lights don't work.
It is also my opportunity to replace the delicate plastic turn signal release cam that turns off the signal after a turn. Mine's broken on one side.
I have even replaced the rear wire harness from th firewall back.
So, in my case, it must be the turn signal switch.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
Hmmm. My turn signal switch is pretty wore out too...No release cam left whatsoever, however the turn signals themselves work all the time. Let em know if that fixes it.
Thanks
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
I had to take a pair of Needle Nose Plyers and squeeze the socket a little because the bulb was working its way out just slightly. So I dont know if this will help but you may want to give it a try.
JRB65
JRB65
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
I now have the steering wheel off and I am cleaning the turn signal switch.
It is also my opportunity to replace the delicate plastic turn signal release cam that turns off the signal after a turn.
Mine's broken on one side. So, in my case, it must be the turn signal switch.
It is also my opportunity to replace the delicate plastic turn signal release cam that turns off the signal after a turn.
Mine's broken on one side. So, in my case, it must be the turn signal switch.
How much of a job is it to get to & replace the turn signal switch?
Is the cam part of the switch?
I think I need to replace mine - since the turn signal lever can turn itself on if I hit a pothole...... (Mine is a '63 steering column but it's in my '65 F100 truck.)
BarnieTrk
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Bozeman,MT
Locate the replacement parts first. I have a 66 F250 with a 4 speed. It has a replaceable cam. I have an F100 colimn that looks like you replace the entire switch.
You'll have to remove your steering wheel.
Remove the turn signal lever.
Remove two small screws that hold on a trim piece.
Looks like 3 screws hold the switch in place.
It has to be removed by threading the wire harness out of the column.Then do the reverse t install the new one.
You'll have to remove your steering wheel.
Remove the turn signal lever.
Remove two small screws that hold on a trim piece.
Looks like 3 screws hold the switch in place.
It has to be removed by threading the wire harness out of the column.Then do the reverse t install the new one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
Locate the replacement parts first. I have a 66 F250 with a 4 speed. It has a replaceable cam. I have an F100 colimn that looks like you replace the entire switch.
You'll have to remove your steering wheel.
Remove the turn signal lever.
Remove two small screws that hold on a trim piece.
Looks like 3 screws hold the switch in place.
It has to be removed by threading the wire harness out of the column.Then do the reverse t install the new one.
You'll have to remove your steering wheel.
Remove the turn signal lever.
Remove two small screws that hold on a trim piece.
Looks like 3 screws hold the switch in place.
It has to be removed by threading the wire harness out of the column.Then do the reverse t install the new one.
BarnieTrk
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Check the outlet at the firewall for the wiring it is a notorious spot for corrosion and will work and not work. Also check the split for front to rear for the tail lights. It is down near frame by the cab mount. They are not weather pak connectors and corrode.
Garbz
Garbz
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Centralia, WA
The tail lights share a common feed, so if one is working and the other not, it's specific to that fixture. Could be the socket itself, or the junction where the wires split to each side. Since the turn signal works I would say the ground is probably good.
The tail lights and turn/brake lights are separate circuits; bulb and socket are the only thing they have in common.
The brake lights go through the turn signal switch because they use the same filament. When the turn signal switch is in center position, the brake switch feeds power to both lights. When you move the switch, it shuts off the power from the brake switch for that side and instead provides it's power through the flasher. That way the light will still flash while the brakes are applied.
I just rewired my '65 from scratch. Took me a while to understand the turn signal switch too, but it makes perfect sense now.
The tail lights and turn/brake lights are separate circuits; bulb and socket are the only thing they have in common.
The brake lights go through the turn signal switch because they use the same filament. When the turn signal switch is in center position, the brake switch feeds power to both lights. When you move the switch, it shuts off the power from the brake switch for that side and instead provides it's power through the flasher. That way the light will still flash while the brakes are applied.
I just rewired my '65 from scratch. Took me a while to understand the turn signal switch too, but it makes perfect sense now.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Maricopa
I have the same problem! But I know the problem! for once! lol
So the turn signal switch actually in the column is broken, so it doesn't like to stay in the middle. (side note, I tested this in a garage with the door down) when i moved the switch down a little bit, lower than it should be but not turning on the signal, it cut out my driver's side tail light, when i moved it back to center, BINGO! light came on! simple fix if you have a steering wheel puller.
So the turn signal switch actually in the column is broken, so it doesn't like to stay in the middle. (side note, I tested this in a garage with the door down) when i moved the switch down a little bit, lower than it should be but not turning on the signal, it cut out my driver's side tail light, when i moved it back to center, BINGO! light came on! simple fix if you have a steering wheel puller.
