Brake Light Woes

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited December 2010 in HUDSON
Brake lights quit working unexpectedly. Have installed ground wire from lamp holder to body; have jumpered the switch (shorting the switch leads together) and have brake lights; have used multimeter to check resistance across switch (1 ohm when depressing pedal).

But when the wiring is connected to switch - no brake lights.

Any suggestions?
(Frustrated) Jon

Comments

  • VicTor Z
    VicTor Z Senior Contributor
    B) Call Walt! Happy New Year Jon and Sue!:cheer:
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Have you changed to Silicone Brake Fluid? If so, original-type brake light switches are not compatible. Paul Schuster sells a newer type of switch that will work with the Silicone. I think it's actually a Harley Part.

    Just a suggestion, since you have checked the wiring. Only other thing you might check is the second filament in the bulbs. Possibility both are burned out. Not likely, but had it happen once. I take it your taillights work correctly?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I will verify both filaments. Yes I am using DOT 5 fluid, but (resistance-wise) switch seems functional. If I'm going to change out switches, I may as well get one from Paul.

    Thank you for your suggestions!
    JC
  • schillaz
    schillaz Expert Adviser
    Sounds like the switch to me too, by running the jumper across the switch your testing everything and it sounds like that works fine so it must be the switch.

    Unless you have a weird grounding issue, that comes and goes....those are always fun.

    **Are you running -6volts or a +12volt system in your car?
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    schillaz wrote:
    Sounds like the switch to me too, by running the jumper across the switch your testing everything and it sounds like that works fine so it must be the switch.

    Unless you have a weird grounding issue, that comes and goes....those are always fun.

    **Are you running -6volts or a +12volt system in your car?

    That's a good point. If 6 volts, grounds are WAYYYY more immportant. Bright and shiny contacts are a must.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    A fellow chapter member called up and encouraged me to change the switch. So changed out the switch with a spare here; everything OK (until that one fails); next up is a replacement from Mr. Schuster!

    Thanks for all the help. This car will be back on the road come sun-up!

    J Cronk
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If I read your statement correctly ,You shorted the two wires from the switch together and you had brake lights. That means the switch is no good - regardless of what the meter says ,
    Roger
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    That's great, Hudman! Glad you got it solved.B)
  • PAULARGETYPE
    PAULARGETYPE Senior Contributor
    edited December 2010
    HERE IS WHAT THE NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH LOOKS LIKE ,IT IS A HARLEY PART THE THREAD SIZE IS THE SAME AS THE OLD ONES BUT IS A BIT THINNER IN THE BODY ALSO IT WORKS WITH BOTH 6 AND 12 VOLT
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