No brake lights

[NCGNETO]

So yeah. Like it says. I have no brake lights. 78 Newport. I have swapped bulbs and plugged in a new brake light switch. I did not fully install it buy I plugged it in and tried to trip it just by pressing in and releasing the button. No luck in fixing the problem. I am having difficulties unhooking the fuse box from under the dash to get a better look but all I can do is "peak" at the fuses. Non look bad. Any thought of what this could be? Or maybe you know of a fuse that I need to replace? Maybe it looks good but it is busted where I cannot see it. What fuse number would it be? Thanks all!

 

[Hunyadi]

First I would use a test light to see that you have a constant power to the switch. (One wire will be "hot" with power) Then depress the switch and see if you get power "out" _ IE going to the brake lights. If you have power going out - to the brake lights then check with the same test light to see if you have power at the bulbs. If you have power at the bulbs - you probably have a grounding problem. Most of the time this can be fixed by cleaning up the connections. or adding a grounding strap, etc...
If you have power at the brake switch and power going out of the brake switch when you depress it - but you have no power at the bulbs - then you need to trace the wires back and find your break. This may require taking out some carpeting..

 

[300rag]

.......... Then depress the switch and see if you get power "out" _ IE going to the brake lights........

The brake light switch will have "power out" in it's normal state - not while depressed. Pushing the switch in will turn the lights off.

 

[NCGNETO]

It turned out to be a fuse. I put a new stereo in it and when the stereo shop had it they pulled the fuse box and replaced all the bad fuses. I was hoping it was just a fuse.

 

[rapidtransitrick]

problem solved. always go back to basics. alot of times we tend to believe its more of a problem than it is. the basics first

 

[NCGNETO]

First thing I tried was the fuses. I had the darnedest time trying to unhook the fuse box from under the dash.

 

[polara71]

Why do you need to unhook it? What does that look like under that dash?

My fuses just pop in and out without having to move the fuse block.

 

[rapidtransitrick]

wasp nest?

 

[polara71]

wasp nest?

No, why unhook the fuse block? Can't that stay put while you change the fuse?

 

[NCGNETO]

Mine is totally hidden up in there. It is ridiculous.

 

[Fratzog]

No, why unhook the fuse block? Can't that stay put while you change the fuse?

Dave we are spoiled with our cars. Even my 68 is a lot harder to get at then the 70.

 

[polara71]

Well thats why I asked for the photo, just curious........I have never tinkered with one.....just tryin' to learn whats doin'.

 

[NCGNETO]

I'll try to catch a photo tomorrow while I'm buffing and polishing the car

 

[NCGNETO]

The last picture is all you can see unless you find a way to disconnect the fuse block. There are about 8-10 fuses hid when the box is connected.