62' 3rd Brake light problem

Discussion in '1960-1966' started by David, Jun 3, 2001.

  1. David

    David Member

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    I've notice a few weeks ago when I pulled my truck into the drive way, A light came on from the left turn signal, when my foot is on the brake pedal. Is this common,rigged,or a short. I have 3 wires to the left turn signal, and 2 for the right turn signal,is this right?

    My second question there's 3 wires running from the firewall back to the tail lights. I'm guessing that one is for the licences plate, and the others are for the tail lights. I have a new plug w/ 6 inches of wire but this one has 3 wires running from it, and the ones that are on there now have 2 wires. I'm having some confusion on electrical
     
  2. David

    David Member

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    When I first posted this message, I left A few things out. When I was talking about the 3 wires on the left and 2 on the right, those wires were running to the turn signals under the hood.
    Only 1 tail light lights up when the brakes are applied, Also I've noticed, that when the brake is applied,my gauges in the dash light up as well as the left turn signal. This electrical problem has me baffled, does anyone know how to solve this problem?
    I appreciate any help I can get.
    Thanks David
     
  3. wundrman

    wundrman Member

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    I had that also happen with my 62 GMC. I found I ran a ground wire from the tail lights to the frame, everything was normal. I ran it from the alum shell screw to the frame on each side. I got new clips and stainless steel screws from Hardware Hank. The third wire goes to the plates on one side. The other is brake and running lights.
     
  4. dvalentine

    dvalentine Charter Member

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    I agree, wierd problems like that are typically tied to grounding problems.

    Another thought is the directional harness on the steering column. While changing to a tilt in my 64 I had to splice the older style "two row cresent moon" harness to a later model 72.

    I saw some really strange results to brake, directional, and running lights while dialing that in.

    Stay with it, order a shop manual with the wiring diagrams from our host. It is money well spent.
     
  5. David

    David Member

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    I want to thank you guys for your help, I ordered a shop manual from Chevy Duty on monday, I'm gonna try the grounds for the front blinkers, and the rear tail lights.
    Thank you again. David
     
  6. jpratt

    jpratt Member

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    It seems to me that you have a problem in your turn signal harness. There are 2 sets of springs that are activated by the turn signal cam, a "C" looking piece of plastic, normally black, that is on top of the white housing. They are set to touch the different pins that are connected to the wires that go to the turn signals and such. These things wear and will touch places that they shouldn't be touching and can be replaced or if you really know what you are doing you can bend and shape them back into place. I think Chevy Duty sells a repair kit but I'm not positive. Regardless, don't do as most people do and start cutting wires! Take dvalentine's advice and get the manuals from Chevy Duty.

    Are you sure the gauges are lighting up when you press on the brake or just the left turn signal indicator on your cluster?
     
  7. dvalentine

    dvalentine Charter Member

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    I just re-read your original post. Directional light comes on on the dash when brakes are applied. DUH !! you have a brake light bulb out !!

    Have a friend see which bulb does not come on when pressing the brake. That's the bulb that needs replacing.
     
  8. Skippys62

    Skippys62 Member

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    It should not be the problem of having a brake light out. I had a similar problem with my 62. Make sure that the slide switch on top of the column under the dash is centered. If it isn't it will also make it so that only one brake light will come on when you step on the brakes. If it were a burnt bulb, which I'm sure you already checked for, it would just stay on solid when you had the turn signal on.

    Skippy
     
  9. David

    David Member

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    Hey guys,
    Thanks for your help.

    It was caused by the wiring of a newer steering column with a hazard switch that was wired to a harness that didn't have it.

    When the hazard switch was pushed in, it happened. When the hazard switch was pulled, I had turnsignals with no problems.

    I pulled this column out, and replaced it with a orginal one from a 62' at a local wrecking yard.I haven't had a problem since.:)

    My tail light had a bad ground were the tail light housing met the bed.

    David
     

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