<VV> turn signals, brake lights and confused!!!

[J R Read_HML]

Hey Pat,

I'm sending this back through VV since LOTS of eyes on the problem are better than just 2.

Under the dash... possibly - but it would take a real idiot to do that.

Brake light switch ...   NO, that is just braking a "hot" lead to the light.

As for removing the dash lights - just pull 1 or 2 to start - put on some pants <GRIN> and get upside down in the car so that you can see the back of the dash.  Head down on/near the floor.  You should be able to pull straight back, but a very small screwdriver might help to pry them loose.  See if the bulbs are blackened - burned out.  You could test them with a lantern battery (6 volt).  They won't be bright, you just want to know if they work or not.
 
Later, JR

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: pat whats-her-name 
  To: J R Read_HML 
  Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 10:01 PM
  Subject: Re: <VV> turn signals, brake lights and confused!!!


  J R,
  I have the correct bulbs in the tail lights, 1157. the tail lights work fine and are dimmer than the brake/turn. 
  as this is a new engine harness where else could the wires be reversed? Under the dash at the brake light switch? that is one of those instances where there are wire splices that are to say the least, questionable. As i said in earlier statements about the car, I actually see bell wire used under this dash!!!! in the morning you bet i'm going to check which filiment is burning out and let you know. 
  As for the dash, the dimmer switch was the first thing i tried........it's the same set up as on my 57.(except those lights work!!!)  I've reached up under the dash to try and check the bulbs , I can not get them out........either in way to long and stuck there or i'm not doing it right...the manual says they should snap out...but that aint't happening!!!  I will check the ground wire.just looked at the book to see it's location. 

  thanks for the response..i will check all this out and let you know how i'm doing..........again, THANKS!!
  J R Read_HML <hmlinc at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
    pab, likely the brake light/turn light is a separate issue form the dash 
    lights

    Brake/turn: What bulb are you using? Is it 1157? Should be. Has 2 
    filaments, one for tail light and one (brighter) for brake/turn. Proper 
    operation of turn signal would be that it flashes whether or not you are 
    stepping on the brake pedal. The opposite side brake light would (should) 
    be steady on when you brake.

    If you are using 1157 bulbs, which filament is burning out? It is entirely 
    possible that the wires (2) to the RR are reversed at some point - so that 
    the brake/turn filament is operating as the tail light and the tail light is 
    taking a heavier load than it should for brake/turn operation and that is 
    what causes early failure. Does the RR tail light seem unusually bright? 
    That would be a clue.

    On the dash, are the bulbs in place? Are they in operable condition? Have 
    you tried turning the headlight switch back and forth (while in one of the 2 
    "on" positions)? It is the dimmer for the dash. Maybe it is set all the 
    way down? Maybe the rheostat in the switch is a bit tired (rusty) and in 
    need of some exercise? Give it several twists (a dozen or more) and see if 
    it comes back to life - at least partially. Finally, a very common problem 
    with the LM dash lights is a poor ground. There is a metal strap on the 
    back side of the plastic dash which comes down to the bottom of the dash a 
    couple of inches left of the steering column. It needs to be clean and 
    secured with an appropriate size (also clean) screw at the lower lip of the 
    dash.

    Some things to check. Let us know what you try and what does or does not 
    solve the problem(s).

    Later, JR
    CCE CORSA CORVANANTICS SCG member
    '61 Rampside Standard 4/110
    '65 Monza Convertible 4/140

    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: "pat whats-her-name" 
    To: 
    Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 5:59 PM
    Subject: turn signals, brake lights and confused!!!


    > Hello everyone,
    > my 65 monza ct just got a brand new engine harness. everything worked 
    > great until this afternoon. took her for a little spin and when i put on 
    > the right turn signal it worked, until i used the brake pedal.....then it 
    > stopped. the indicator in the dash stayed lit constantly, as soon as i let 
    > off the brake it started to flash again. also now i am loosing the right 
    > brake light....the bulb keeps burning out after a few times applying the 
    > brakes. Also one more question...i've had this car for about 8 months and 
    > as I have said before the wiring under the dash is horrible. I have not 
    > had any instrument(dash lights) since I've gotten the car. I have courtesy 
    > lights, and glove box light, but nothing else. WHERE DO I BEGIN!!!! At 
    > this time a under dash harness is beyond my budget.....maybe next year. 
    > The previous owner(s) really butchered the wiring under there..splices 
    > everywhere. any help or suggestion as to where to start.
    >
    > pat
    > 65 monza ct
    >






  p.a.b. have a great day 


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