Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Brake lights not working (Brake light problem)
| Brake lights not working [message #269706] |
Wed, 14 January 2015 20:34  |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Spent half a day trying to trace a brake light problem. No brake lights, brake light switch ok, turn signals work as do flashers. That is all but the left rear light which isn't getting any power to the socket, not a ground issue there, at least I think not. I tried exercising the 4 way flasher switch with no change. I'm going to change flashers although I doubt that will cure anything.
Any ideas people, this is about got me miffed.
Thanks,Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Brake lights not working [message #269707 is a reply to message #269706] |
Wed, 14 January 2015 20:45  |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Does your tail lights and marker lights come on? I had that problem last
spring and found my fuse was bad. It looked good to the naked eye but when
I put a meter on it it was open.
On Wed, Jan 14, 2015 at 7:34 PM, Hal StClair
wrote:
> Spent half a day trying to trace a brake light problem. No brake lights,
> brake light switch ok, turn signals work as do flashers. That is all but the
> left rear light which isn't getting any power to the socket, not a ground
> issue there, at least I think not. I tried exercising the 4 way flasher
> switch with no change. I'm going to change flashers although I doubt that
> will cure anything.
> Any ideas people, this is about got me miffed.
> Thanks,Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269709 is a reply to message #269706] |
Wed, 14 January 2015 20:58 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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From memory I believe that there is a 20 amp fuse feeding the brake light switch and the flasher. Since the turn signals work, the fuse is not the problem. If you have +12 on both sides of the brake switch then the next thing in line is the turn / signal 4 way flasher switches in the steering column. The brake light circuit feeds through that turn / 4way switch assembly.
I did not look at the wiring diagrams but I do have them on my laptop. If you do not have them and need one, send me an email with your coach year. I'll find mine and forward it to you.
Ken B.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269711 is a reply to message #269709] |
Wed, 14 January 2015 22:31 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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I have power to both sides of the brake light switch. I'm leaning toward a bad turn signal/4 way flasher switch. I've got the X-7725 manual but if there are better diagrams, I'd sure love to see them. Mine aren't the best of copies. It's a 1977 Royale Ken. You wouldn't have a part number for the switch handy anyone?
Eaglefab1@AO and L
Thanks, Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269712 is a reply to message #269711] |
Wed, 14 January 2015 23:22 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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The contact in the turn signal switch that connects to the brake light switch has gotten hot and sunk into the plastic. So now it doesn't make a connection with the contacts that are wired to the lights. The turn signal flashing power supply contacts still make a connection to the light contacts so they still work. You will have to replace the turn signal switch. Not a bad job if the interior is not too hot or too cold. Use a steering wheel puller to remove the wheel, don't bang on the shaft. And make sure the road wheels are straight before you take it apart.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269729 is a reply to message #269706] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 09:03 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Hal StClair wrote on Wed, 14 January 2015 21:34Spent half a day trying to trace a brake light problem. No brake lights, brake light switch ok, turn signals work as do flashers. That is all but the left rear light which isn't getting any power to the socket, not a ground issue there, at least I think not. I tried exercising the 4 way flasher switch with no change. I'm going to change flashers although I doubt that will cure anything.
Any ideas people, this is about got me miffed.
Thanks,Hal
Hal,
I had a similar problem some time back....
There is only one flasher in the GM fit coaches. It does both the hazard and the turn.
The brakes and turn/hazard are on the same fuse.
The only thing that separates the stop lights from the turn signals is the switch in the column. That part is so ubiquitous that is is on the wall of commonly needed parts in most car parts stores. The card says something like turn/hazard switch all GM products from the Nohadic Floods to present day. You will need as steering wheel puller and the lock plate removing tool both of which can be borrowed or rented at AutoZone. Other than that all it takes is patience and a good phillips screwdriver.
Good Luck
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269730 is a reply to message #269706] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 09:16 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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Call yourself lucky. The Multifunction switch on the newer GM stuff is very expensive. One thing trying to do too many things. Turn signals, flashers, brake light pass through, cruise functions, wipers, wiper delay, brights and brights flash. Looks harder to swap and my Tahoe brake lights are flakey through the flasher switch.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269737 is a reply to message #269711] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 10:34 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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First make sure that the two flat connectors on the cable at the bottom of the steering column are seated correctly. I would unplug them and replug them just to make sure. I got mine from Auto Zone about 10 years ago. It was around $25.00 then. I changed it in their parking using their borrowed steering wheel puller. Be aware that there are two different connector styles on the bottom of the steering column that look the same. The difference is the spacing of the pins in the plastic connector. Make sure the replacement connector matches BEFORE removing the old one switch assembly. If you want to verify that the old switch is your problem, simply unplug it and attach the cable to your new switch without mounting it in the column.
If the connector does not match you can get an adapter cable or you can remove the pins from the plastic and reuse the plastic from the old one. That is what I would do. Also be aware that there are two different switch assemblies. One of them includes a few extra wires and includes a circuit for cornering lights. It will work just fine and actually s cheaper than the the one without cornering lights. The extra pins just do not hook to anything.
The brand sold at AZ is Wells and I believe that they were the OEM supplier because the one I got in a Wells box had AC Delco molded into the plastic. I'll go dig around and see if I can find the part numbers now.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269741 is a reply to message #269737] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 11:29 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I looked on my laptop and could not find the part numbers. So from memory I believe the numbers are SW326 (with cornering lights) and SW327 (without cornering lights).
It is probably in the GMCMI parts list but since the list is only available on paper I do not have one easily available at this time. Some day maybe GMCMI will fix that problem.
Try the two numbers above. I believe they are correct.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Brake lights not working [message #269748 is a reply to message #269746] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 14:43 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Ken and all. I picked up the SW326 which is the same as the one installed. Got it in and the right stop now works but still no joy on the left rear. Both backup lights work so I must have an open some place. No power to the socket so I'll have to start from the front, at the column plug I guess. Not so good at working under the dash anymore. Wish I knew how the wire is routed through/under the coach. It would make things easier to trace.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Brake lights not working [message #269749 is a reply to message #269748] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 15:07 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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This is not going to help much but I believe that the wire is routed through the driver's side wall. I believe that they appear up front under the dash behind the left kick panel.
If someone tells you differently, believe them and not me.
Ken B.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Brake lights not working [message #269750 is a reply to message #269746] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 15:13 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Emery Stora wrote on Thu, 15 January 2015 13:47
> On Jan 15, 2015, at 10:29 AM, Ken Burton wrote:
>
> I looked on my laptop and could not find the part numbers. So from memory I believe the numbers are SW326 (with cornering lights) and SW327 (without
> cornering lights).
>
> It is probably in the GMCMI parts list but since the list is only available on paper I do not have one easily available at this time. Some day maybe
> GMCMI will fix that problem.
>
The online electronic version will be available to members on the GMCMI site this spring. Kim has been working on it and has promised it for the Spring Convention.
Emery Stora
While it is a baby step in the right direction and on line version is not much help without on line access when the user needs the information. A simple print to a searchable .pdf file is all that is really needed. It then could be on line or stored locally for off line use. This is a minor project that could be done in 15 minutes and would not have to wait until next Spring.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Brake lights not working [message #269754 is a reply to message #269750] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 17:50 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Make sure and test the wire a few inches back from the light socket. Many times I have found the wire broken right at the crimped on button contact in the socket.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269755 is a reply to message #269706] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 17:57 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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On my coach, the back of the closet panel (the sloped one) come off easily. Behind it are the various wires and wire bundles going to the back of the coach.
Also, if you remove the metal plate inside directly behind the light assembly, you will have access to the wire bundles. I THINK you should be able to spot the wire going over to the other side and probe it to see if it's hot there. If it is, you can probably cut it, tie a new wire to it, use the old wire as a 'fish tape' to pull the new wire over to the other side, splice in place etc, etc.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269761 is a reply to message #269755] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 18:57 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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I have traced the wire to where it goes into the wall at the left side of the driver. I located the wire at the rear corner where it hits a connector and to the light sockets. No power at the back. I tried to parallel a wire front to rear with scotch taps but there must be a high resistance load as the lamp barely lights. I cut both ends with just the jumper and all is well. I hate to just abandon the wire and run a new one without finding the source of the problem but I'm not going to tear the walls/ceiling down at this point. Guess I'll just fish a new wire front to back. The high resistance is what probably killed the turn signal switch in the first place. Oh the fun of it all.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269767 is a reply to message #269706] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 22:27 |
mild bill
Messages: 98
Registered: November 2014
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Karma: 0
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Hal StClair wrote on Wed, 14 January 2015 20:34Spent half a day trying to trace a brake light problem. No brake lights, brake light switch ok, turn signals work as do flashers. That is all but the left rear light which isn't getting any power to the socket, not a ground issue there, at least I think not. I tried exercising the 4 way flasher switch with no change. I'm going to change flashers although I doubt that will cure anything.
Any ideas people, this is about got me miffed.
Thanks,Hal
Left turn signal worked and the left rear brake light didn't? They use the same filament in the bulb...
And the same wire.
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| Re: Brake lights not working [message #269770 is a reply to message #269767] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 23:30 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Hi Bill,
The right turn/brake worked as well as both fronts. It was the left rear turn/brake that wasn't behaving. I ran a new wire from the steering column connector to the left rear light. All is well now but I hated to leave a bad wire without locating the problem.
A big thanks to all that offered suggestions. It's nice to know there are so many ready to help here. Thanks again.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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