Tail lights

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Jun 7, 1999 | 04:56 AM

Wayne Wrye

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Tail lights

I own a 1978 F-150, and I seem to have a problem with the tail lights that I have been unable to fix. The problem is that when the headlight switch is turned on my brake lights and turn signals do not work properly. This seems to only be happening when the lights are on. Can anyone help me with this problem? A friend of mine had said that he had the same problem himself but that he had replaced the steering column and turn signal switch and it fixed his problem. Do you think that the turn signal switch could be the problem? Please help. I have recently moved to Georgia and unlike florida these guys (police) seem to have a ankering of the likes for that sort of stuff. Thanks.

Jun 7, 1999 | 06:57 AM

jowilker

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Joined: Jun 1999

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Tail lights

Wayne, You have a problem that is as tuff as it gets. You can have every thing from a chafed wire to a failed joint.

I have found that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to fix it, but rather paitence, and by elemalation. If both lights are effected I would start around the column and switches. When I put a 76 auto column in my 66 former straight, I had to redo the wires because the 76 had the flasher switch in the col. when the 66 had it in the dash. Anyone working on it would have to use the same process. Only if you had just seen the same problem would you have a hunch where to start.

Good luck

John

Jun 7, 1999 | 12:59 PM

sparky

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Joined: Jun 1999

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From: Comox Valley, Canada

Tail lights

The running/parking lights are one filament of the bulb and the brakes and turn signals use the other one. Since you only have problems when the headlights are turned on I would have to say the ground isnt very good on one or more of the light assemblies. You have four to choose from so check the grounds on all four and make sure they aren't corroded or broken.
For your info the turn signal switch is designed so that when a turn signal is on that brake light doesn't work, as the filament is being used by the turn signal. Not saying that your switch cant be the cause of the problem just that it is most likely a missing ground. Also check the inside of the bulb recepticles for corrosion, if you have an ohmmeter it is even better to check the grounds with it.
Sparky

Jun 14, 1999 | 08:39 AM

Bill_Martin

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Tail lights

Jun 14, 1999 | 09:16 AM

abowie

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Tail lights

My '78 F-100 had a similar problem(s) - I replaced both tail lights which fixed the problem. My guess is like the reply from "Sparky"- I suspect too much corosion caused poor grounds in the tail light assembly/housing -

Feb 5, 2012 | 10:56 AM

badbootbob

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My 73-79 had an improperly replaced turn sig. socket if you have any splices make sure the guy befor you did them right.A good ground is a wonderful thing to have!!

Feb 5, 2012 | 12:45 PM

Bullitt390

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Quote:

Originally Posted by badbootbob

My 73-79 had an improperly replaced turn sig. socket if you have any splices make sure the guy befor you did them right.A good ground is a wonderful thing to have!!