brake light Switch

[pj337]

I just bought a 83 c10 and I have no brake lights when pressing the brakes. brake lights glow with headlights on. turns signals, reverse lights work. I changed the brake light switch didn't fix the problem. I did notice that I'm missing a connection on the brake light switch could this be the problem. If so what harness do I need to buy. Thanks in advance.

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[Shorty81]

Welcome from the Buckeye State.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I would fix all the scotch locks as a start. Then look around for a connector somewhere in there

 

[Charlie]

 

[Matt69olds]

Yep, your missing a plug. Look for a connector with a orange wire, and a white wire. The orange should have power all the time, the white wire will have power with the pedal pressed. Once you find it, if things still don’t work, check for power at the white wire if the turn signal switch. If good, check for power at the yellow and dark green wires at the turn signal switch. If you have power at the turn signal switch, but nothing on the yellow or green (with the brake pedal pressed) you need a turn signal switch. Before tearing into the column, press and pull the hazard switch button a couple times. I have had funky turn signal/brake light issues solved that way. And I agree, get rid of the scotchlock connectors!! I hate those things. Good luck

 

[dvdswan]

welcome to the site.

 

[pj337]

Yep, your missing a plug. Look for a connector with a orange wire, and a white wire. The orange should have power all the time, the white wire will have power with the pedal pressed. Once you find it, if things still don’t work, check for power at the white wire if the turn signal switch. If good, check for power at the yellow and dark green wires at the turn signal switch. If you have power at the turn signal switch, but nothing on the yellow or green (with the brake pedal pressed) you need a turn signal switch. Before tearing into the column, press and pull the hazard switch button a couple times. I have had funky turn signal/brake light issues solved that way. And I agree, get rid of the scotchlock connectors!! I hate those things. Good luck

I found orange and white wire but no connectors. How can I make it work I can't find a store that sells the connectors

 

[Matt69olds]

You could always use crimp on insulated spade terminals, or find a donor connector from a junk car/truck. Pretty sure GM used the same connector from at least the mid 60s to mid to late 80s. Before you get carried away, make sure you have the right wires. Dome lamps also use orange/wire wires. Disconnect the battery, use a self powered test light or meter. Unplug the turn signal switch, check for continuity between the white wire at the turn signal switch harness connector, and your suspected white wire. If you have continuity, plug everything back in, reconnect the battery, and use a fused jumper wire to connect the orange to white wires. If you have brake lights, all is good in the world. Reassemble your truck, put away the tools, go in the house, have a beer, and prop your feet up in a badass fashion.

 

[pj337]

You could always use crimp on insulated spade terminals, or find a donor connector from a junk car/truck. Pretty sure GM used the same connector from at least the mid 60s to mid to late 80s. Before you get carried away, make sure you have the right wires. Dome lamps also use orange/wire wires. Disconnect the battery, use a self powered test light or meter. Unplug the turn signal switch, check for continuity between the white wire at the turn signal switch harness connector, and your suspected white wire. If you have continuity, plug everything back in, reconnect the battery, and use a fused jumper wire to connect the orange to white wires. If you have brake lights, all is good in the world. Reassemble your truck, put away the tools, go in the house, have a beer, and prop your feet up in a badass fashion.

Thanks for all the help, I fixed the lights.

 

[Matt69olds]

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[skyra16]

I just bought a 83 c10 and I have no brake lights when pressing the brakes. brake lights glow with headlights on. turns signals, reverse lights work. I changed the brake light switch didn't fix the problem. I did notice that I'm missing a connection on the brake light switch could this be the problem. If so what harness do I need to buy. Thanks in advance.

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Where can I find the wires coming from?

 

[rusted nuts]

I Would look for bad ground at brake, turn singals too.