No brake lights - could it be cause I broke the turn signal switch?

Biggredd2069

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I thought my brake lights were working fine before. My turn signals worked fine but the cam was broken on the inside so the turn signal switch wouldn't stay clicked up or down, had to hold it. Well in my infinite wisdom I bought the wrong part and broke the turn switch plate altogether inside the steering column and the new piece is like $140 plus open heart surgery (right after I'm spending close to a grand on other stuff). Well my brake lights don't work now and was reading it might be cause the of the turn signal switch. Could that be? Or could it be convenient timing and another issue? I'll be buying the new turn signal switch plate soon but sure does suck if my brake lights don't work because of my turn signal switch. Car is in the shop now so I can't see if the running lights come on with headlights. Getting an alignment and possible new intake manifold gasket.
 
One good/cheap/easy test would be to remove the pink wire off of the brake pedal brake switch & run a hot wire to it (jumper wire from the battery or other 12V source). You can also check to see if that pink wire has a constant 12-volts (key on or off, it should always be hot). Oh yeah, and double check your brake light bulbs in back.
 
If this car has a 4-way flasher switch, check to be sure that it is properly disengaged.

Dave
 
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Yes if your turn signal switch is broken you will not have brake lights, the wire from the brake switch goes up the column to get to the taillight wires.
When you use you turn signals you disconnect that side from the brake switch and connect it to the feed coming from the turn flasher.


Alan
 
Just for a point of safety....

Are you disconnecting the ground cable from the battery before working on anything electrical other than when you are troubleshooting with a multimeter or test light?
 
That makes sense. Damn!!!! That's my specialty, making things harder than they need to be.
 
If you plan on keeping the car I would download the FSM Field Service Manual from mymopar.com or buy it on EBay.

Also available in paper copy or CD from ...

www.autobooksbishko.com

Makes things alot easier to repair and they have all of the electrical diagrams too.
 
I have the CD FSM. I'll be using it to repair the turn signal plate. Feel like it could be better but its better than nothing. thanks for the responses here.
 
My 72 Fury had no brake lights because of a bad turn signal switch. identified problem with no output charge at steering column connector. Replaced TS switch and I had brake lights for the first time.
 
I just bought the turn signal plate online. $145. Shopped the whole last week for one and this is best price I could find. honestly, not many options for this part in general. Luckily my car is in the shop anyways so hopefully I'll get it right when I get the car back and can work on it quickly. This repair in the shop, getting this turn signal plate installed, and finishing wiring up my stereo and I'll be set for summer.
 
My advice, based on what I actually did with "LEE," Doc McNeedy's new imperial is to let a competent shop go through your car from front bumper to rear bumper, checking functionality and safety considering the age of your car.

We (Me and Doc) can have complete confidence that everything's working, and that the two wonky old fuses were replaced with modern circuit breakers, thus preventing component failure and/or a fire.

Yes, it may cost a bit and take a while if, like me, your mechanics do it when they can whilst concentrating on their main job.

Save yourself lots of wasted time and money doing things piecemeal - do it right, do it once,
leading to happy motoring.

Best of luck
 
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follow up. I did buy the new turn signal plate with wiring harness. Did open heart surgery on the steering column and I'm back in business. brakes and turn signals work and my turn signal stays on when I click it either direction.
 
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