C2: More electrical problems

[Mark F.]

Finally got the '65 small block/powerglide running. Problems now are purely electrical. Thanks to those of you who have helped me in the past few days with the minor stuff, but now the major issues have come up.

After cleaning the terminals of the turn signals, they work just fine. However, the brake and tail lamps refuse to work. My thinking is that the problem is related to the fuse block. The turn signals on my car are not (according to the fuse info in my manuals) controlled by the fuse block. The brake and tail lamps are.

My convertible seems to have sat out in the rain frequently (with the top down), as the terminals of the fuse block are rusty. I cleaned them today with a Dremel-type tool, a bore brush mounted in my drill, and navel jelly. All fuses are new and of correct amperage according to the owner's manual.

Seems to me, that since the turn signals work, the problem with the brake and tail lamps is related to the fuse block.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for your help in getting my driver on road for the first time in years.

Mark

[john38706]

Re: C2: More electrical problems

you really need to step up and buy a complete harness from m&h electric. these are made from the original gm blue prints and are an exact match. i have used several of these for various years and it solves alot of electrical issues.

[Mike Yager]

Re: C2: More electrical problems

Mark:

I would start with a multi-tester and some extra long test leads. The first thing is to determine if there is continuity in the line from the brake switch to the brak lights. I don't remember which wire it is but one of the two from the brake switch goes back to the brake lights. See if there is a break in that line using the continuity test and the long leads. Attach one side to the line from the switch and the other to the center terminal in the brake light. If that looks good, at least you have isolated the problem to the brake/turn signal circuit. Next check to see if there is power to the input side of the brake switch. If you are not getting brake lights, there is either no power into the switch or the line is broken from the switch to the brake lights.

Once you have the brake lights working, you can then move on to the turn signal circuit. Good Luck!!!

[Mark F.]

Thanks, John & Mike. *NM*

[Michael H.]

Re: C2: More electrical problems

If you check the wiring diagram, you'll find that the brake, tail lights and turn signal lights all pass through the turn signal switch. I'd bet that the switch is faulty - try bypassing it before you spend a lot of money on a new harness. I can send you a wiring diagram I made of just this circuit if you send me an e-mail to mghaluska@aol.com

[Mark F.]

Re: C2: More electrical problems

Thanks Mike for your suggestion. In desperation I took the car to a local electrical wizard. He ran a bunch of checks and found several things wrong (dirty connections, unplugged wires, etc.). He also found some bad connections in the turn signal system. You are right on! If you're ever in North Idaho and need an electrical problem diagnosed, Craig Nichol is the guy.

Thanks for your help, Mike.

Mark

[Michael H.]

Re: C2: More electrical problems

No problem Mark - although I doubt I'll need to drive to Idaho to have electrical problems!!!