Rear Lights Nightmare

[Runwitme]

OK. I have no lights in the rear whatsoever. I ran a new set of wires to the back, and 12v on everything at the end of wires. I have 12v when checking the socket with my multimeter, but when I put a bulb in it does nothing. Could the socket be bad? Idk how it could be when I get voltage on my multimeter.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Haven't drove it but once since I bought it because of this.

 

[J Knight]

The sockets need to be grounded to the bed for the bulb to work.

 

[Runwitme]

When I test it with red on the contacts on bottom of socket and black on the metal side of sockets and had voltage.

The socket is ground to the bed. I may need to sand it off a little.

 

[highdesertrange]

check your resistance from the bulb socket to the frame on the ground side. it sounds like a grounding problem to me. also check your frame ground up front. highdesertranger

 

[Runwitme]

OK I have ground now. Was just rusty. Now I found out why the previous owner kept the battery cables off. I have constant power to the dark green wire. It doesn't matter if the key is off and everything else.

Could it be my fusebox?

Brake pedal switch? Crap I didnt think of that till I typed all this. Raining now so no chance to check.

I'm new to wiring on a car. Never had a problem out of any of mine.

 

[Runwitme]

Got it fixed. Someone painted over where the ground wires went. Just sanded a little off and they worked. I also cleaned the bolt a little. I still need to buy new hardware.

I bought this from a guy who rebuilds alternators and he couldn't get the lights to work. Something so simple.

Now all I need is to get the brakes working, new tires, and a seatbelt to drive it.

 

[89Suburban]

Good job

 

[friscobob]

"I bought this from a guy who rebuilds alternators and he couldn't get the lights to work"
Now I know why I get so many bum alternators.
Bob

 

[Runwitme]

Well I went to drive it, and now I don't have lights on drivers side taillight. I have taillights, but no brake or signal lights.

I'm debating on just doing a custom fusebox, since this one is dirty inside and I hate glass fuses.

I have yet to drive this truck other than to get it home.