Brake light problem, stumped

[Kowal]

69 Charger. 

All turn signals work, lights work as do the flashers.   But brake lights only work on the passenger side.  I have tried different bulbs, running a ground from the socket to frame, sanding all contact surfaces.   HELP?   Ideas?

[A383Wing]

you need a new turn signal switch. Power from brake switch goes up into switch then back down & out to brake lights

if turn signals work, you just proved the wiring & bulbs are good.

In short, the contacts inside switch are worn out

Bryan

[Kowal]

Darn close!  A couple of pins from the steering column plug to main harness connection were pushed out.   Reseated everything and it all works!   Whew, an actual cheap answer!

[A383Wing]

then how did turn signals & 4ways work if pins were pushed out?

[Kowal]

Beats me.   Reseated everything and now works.  Hopefully that's all there is.   Had visions of having to dig in to the harness. 

[Kowal]

The day started with me fixing the car having the wrong brake pedal switch bracket, which allowed the switch to work away from the pedal. Which should have meant the brake lights were on all the time.  Instead they were off yet the turn signals worked as did the lights.  Very odd.

Fixed the switch bracket, then started working on the lights.  during this repair is when I noticed the column harness seemed to be hanging in an odd half in and half out state.  I snapped it closed and didn't think anything of it until later, when I checked the pins.

This car has about 20 miles since restoration.  Lot's of small, odd, things to sort out. 

[A383Wing]

well, in that case...you ain't done yet

Bryan

[Kowal]

well, in that case...you ain't done yet

Bryan

Agreed, each little system fix or engine burp has me on saying, here we go again.   Haven't put hardly any miles yet, now just fixing the known list before I take it out and add to it.

[resq302]

Welcome to a long and endless battle but well worth it in the end.  Once you get your car to a point you are happy, you can enjoy it that much more.  Plus working on the car yourself and fixing it gives you knowledge of the car and also a sense of trust with your car.