No Stop Light On either side

[Ramblin Reck]

My stop lights on my 39 Ford quit working on both sides.

Wires are plugged into the stop light switch activated by the master cylinder when the brake pedal is applied.

I have rear "parking lights" that work on both sides.

The stop light switch screwed into the Master cylinder is new as is the master cylinder. Both replaced in August and worked fine up until now.

Filaments on one light bulb I checked looks ok.

HELP

 

[Ken/Alabama]

Probably bad switch. Unplug the wires and touch them together, both lights should come on. If so replace the switch.

 

[cmbrucew]

Make a temporary ground from frame / body to the bulb socket.


Bruce

 

[V8COOPMAN]

probably bad switch. Unplug the wires and touch them together, both lights should come on. If so replace the switch.

x 2!

 

[CaliforniaBorn36]

Make a temporary ground from frame / body to the bulb socket.


Bruce

X2

Had same problem on 1941 1/2 ton Pickup. Added additional grounds from taillight housing to frame. Worked perfect after that.

 

[Ramblin Reck]

Probably bad switch. Unplug the wires and touch them together, both lights should come on. If so replace the switch.

You Nailed it! I made a jumper between the two wires and Brake Lights came on! Thank you!!! I have a new in the box replacement switch from Bob Drake made in Taiwan. That's the good news!



Started unscrewing the bad switch and did not notice that the 3/4' Nut behind it was coming out too! Oh Crap! I got it back in but lost enough brake fluid where the pedal goes to the floor!

QUESTION If i hold the 3/4" nut and then unscrew the switch, will I lose more brake fluid? May also need a refresher on adding brake fluid! Any help given will be appreciated!

 

[Ramblin Reck]

x 2!

Thanks You nailed it too! May need a little more advice! See my reply above

 

[paul2748]

Unscrew the top and add brake fluid. Probably DOT 3. Changing the switch may entail losing a little more fluid. After loosening the old switch, have the new switch in your hand ready to screw in. A little loss is not a big deal. If the brake pedal goes to the floor, your better off, for safety's sake, to bleed all the wheel cylinders

Started unscrewing the bad switch and did not notice that the 3/4' Nut behind it was coming out too! Oh Crap! I got it back in but lost enough brake fluid where the pedal goes to the floor!

QUESTION If i hold the 3/4" nut and then unscrew the switch, will I lose more brake fluid? May also need a refresher on adding brake fluid! Any help given will be appreciated!

 

[Ramblin Reck]

Unscrew the top and add brake fluid. Probably DOT 3. Changing the switch may entail losing a little more fluid. After loosening the old switch, have the new switch in your hand ready to screw in. A little loss is not a big deal. If the brake pedal goes to the floor, your better off, for safety's sake, to bleed all the wheel cylinders

Paul 2748 Yes! Thanks I should have been prepared for this. Next time I will ask more questions. Thanks again for the advice. I really don't know what I would do without you all. Thanks to everyone.