Brake light problems

Discussion in 'Technical' started by AndyJ541, Mar 27, 2014.

  1. AndyJ541

    AndyJ541 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    23
    Location:
    North Bend, Or
    Vehicle:
    72 Ford Maverick
    About a month ago I found water flooding the sides of my trunk with the brake light and reverse light harnesses submerged. I emptied the water and dried them off and after checking everything seemed to be fine and everything worked. About 4 weeks later my friend told me my brake lights dont illuminate when I brake. Only the first light works, but the secondary used for turning/braking with lights on does not. I know my flasher has just gone out. I cant tell weather its because the flasher has died or I have blown a fuse. Either way I dont know where the flashers are or where the fuse box is. I cant find either of them :/ and im not even sure either are the problem.
     
  2. Maverocket

    Maverocket Bob Williams

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2012
    Messages:
    1,120
    Likes Received:
    223
    Trophy Points:
    157
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Northwest
    Vehicle:
    69.5 Mav, 62 F100 unibody
    The fuse box is in the upper left hand corner of the firewall and the flasher sits to the left of the steering column behind the package tray.
     
  3. AndyJ541

    AndyJ541 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    23
    Location:
    North Bend, Or
    Vehicle:
    72 Ford Maverick
    Thank you :) I just wish I knew why they won't use the second filament
     
  4. yellow75

    yellow75 MCCI Oregon State Rep Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2004
    Messages:
    4,777
    Likes Received:
    1,161
    Trophy Points:
    587
    Garage:
    2
    Location:
    Tillamook Oregon
    Vehicle:
    72 Maverick 1976 Maverick Stallion 2007 Shelby GT 500 2019 Ford F150 FX4 2023 Bronco
    Another common problem that fits you description is a faulty turn signal switch as the brake lights and turn signal light go through the contacts on it.

    If it is the turn signal switch that is the problem sometimes you can pull the turn signal handle towards you and it will make a better contact and you can step on the brake and have someone see if brake lights work
     
  5. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2002
    Messages:
    26,589
    Likes Received:
    2,935
    Trophy Points:
    978
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    MACON,GA.
    Vehicle:
    '73 Grabber
    make sure that the...brake light switch plug...is secure/not broken.
     
  6. AndyJ541

    AndyJ541 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    23
    Location:
    North Bend, Or
    Vehicle:
    72 Ford Maverick
    Where is the brake light switch plug :(? Ill definitely check the turn signal contacts.
     
  7. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,272
    Likes Received:
    833
    Trophy Points:
    513
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    Under dash, near brake pedal on the brake light switch.
     
  8. AndyJ541

    AndyJ541 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    23
    Location:
    North Bend, Or
    Vehicle:
    72 Ford Maverick
    Is that the spring mechanism on the brake pedal?
     
  9. Rasit

    Rasit Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2013
    Messages:
    411
    Likes Received:
    84
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT
    Mine ended up being the turn signal switch. Replaced the whole thing with wire harness for $60-70.
     
  10. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2009
    Messages:
    4,132
    Likes Received:
    1,160
    Trophy Points:
    538
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Kennewick, WA
    Vehicle:
    1971 Maverick Grabber
    Check your hazard switch and make sure it's pushed in (off position). If the flasher for the hazards has gone belly up and the switch is on it will do some not so funny stuff. When it comes to problems like yours, the turn signal switch is the root of all evil.
     
  11. AndyJ541

    AndyJ541 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    23
    Location:
    North Bend, Or
    Vehicle:
    72 Ford Maverick
    Definitely will check that turn signal switch. Im assuming thats the switch inside the steering column, and how difficult was it to replace?
     
  12. AndyJ541

    AndyJ541 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    23
    Location:
    North Bend, Or
    Vehicle:
    72 Ford Maverick
    Im pretty sure it is the turn signal switch. Im assuming I need to pull the steeringwheel to get to it? :/ and does anybody remember the part number? (btw its a 72) :)
     
  13. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2009
    Messages:
    4,132
    Likes Received:
    1,160
    Trophy Points:
    538
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Kennewick, WA
    Vehicle:
    1971 Maverick Grabber
    It can be a pain but it's doable. The wheel does need to come off and you will need to feed the harness through the tube which is the hardest part once the wheel is off.
     
  14. GreyGhost74

    GreyGhost74 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2014
    Messages:
    110
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Location:
    FL
    Vehicle:
    1974 Mercury Comet
    Yes, it's a small black box attached to the top of the brake pedal. It has a spring in it and a plug with two green wires attaches to it.:drive:

    I've replaced that and had to re-wire turn signals, and all of the wiring in the trunk recently.
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2014
  15. Rasit

    Rasit Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2013
    Messages:
    411
    Likes Received:
    84
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT
    Melvin's has it on page 21 in this catalog: http://www.melvinsclassicfordparts.com/pdfs/melvins-maverick-catalog-final.pdf

    Remove the horn assembly, mark the current position of the steering wheel and pop the wheel off with a puller. Don't beat it with a hammer. If pulling the wire is a little tight you can loosen the column bolts and drop it down a little for addition clearance.
     

Share This Page