Question: My brother has a '66 stepside with with an electrical problem: when the brakes are applied the dash lights up. Also, it looks like when the lights are turned on (switch pulled all the way out) one tail light is a lot brighter than the other...almost like one brake light is on. Any advise would be helpful... Verdell '60 Apache
Electrical gremlins take patience to resolve, but they are not impossible to track. Most problems can be traced to bad grounding. I would start by checking and cleaning all contacts. That includes bulbs, bulb sockets, harness connectors, etc. Start at the back and work your way forward. This problem is a neat one. Step on the brake and the dash lights come on?? ALL the dash lights ? Some of the dash lights ? Check that the headlight switch has the harness attached properly and it's in decent shape. ( no frayed wires ) Make sure also that the switch is making good contact with the dash benzle ( not loose ). Check the column harness for proper connection and general condition as well. Has someone been working under the dash recently? Has the main harness been butchered beyond all recognization? If this is the case, ( and it is for a lot of these trucks), It will be difficult to track electrical problems unless you return the electrical system back to where the factory intended it to be. A Service Manual has the diagrams of how it was installed or wiring diagrams are available from various sources. You will need these diagrams to make heads or tails of the circuit layouts as well as the color code of wire. You be the judge on the condition of the wiring. If it's bad enough, consider replacing the harness. When considering this remember, NEW wire is Better than Old wire.
Hey Thanks! Next Question: Does the brake switch actually make the brighter filament of a dual filament bulb (1157) light up? Is this switch actually connected straight to the tail lamp or what? My electrical manual is on order.... Verdell '60 Apache
I'm no electrician. I don't even play one on TV ! The answer ? "Well,sort of..." If I remember right, the brake light switch simply completes a circuit that is in the same cirit as the directionals. I'm at work now and don't have access to my manuals. Again, if I remember right, it is kinda inserted into the circiut near the column harness. One bulb that burns brighter than the other could be a few things. Bad bulb, (duh), bad contacts in the bulb socket, or bad ground. Check those first, then start working your way forward inspecting the wires and the connections along the way. DValentine
