This situation comes up about 6 times a year on the
IML - you can find many discussions in the archive... Most likely,
the failure is in your turn signal switch.
If you study the wiring diagram in the FSM, you can
see where to probe with your meter or test light to prove this to
yourself.
The 12 volts from the brake light switch is routed
through the turn signal switch to direct it to the rear light sockets,
because the turn signals share the same filaments in the bulbs - the brake
light current has to be interrupted by the turn signal switch when you are
signalling for a turn at the same time you are stepping on the
brakes.
When the turn signal switch becomes worn, it usually
starts to interrupt the brake light signal even when you are NOT
signalling for a turn.
Sometimes, you can make the problem go
away (momentarily) by wiggling the turn signal switch. Have
someone stand behind the car (or back up to a wall where you can see the
red glow) and wiggle the TS switch while you press on the brake
pedal - you may be able to find a position of the handle where the
brake lights work - if this is the case, start searching for a
replacement turn signal switch.
Dick Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2007
2:33 AM
Subject: IML: 1961 imperial no
brake lights
Can someone give me some advise. Got no brake
lights. I checked the power going to the switch its good . I put in
a new switch its the kind that is in line with the fluid. No brake
lights. Now could it be the bulbs cause the blinkers and tail
lights work there all in one ? I don't think so There is something weird
going on though. When I start the car It starts with tail lights on .
Even though the light switch is off. But there not on solid they
pulsate. To make this all go away all I have to do is turn the blinkers
on and off and the tail light go off . Isn't that
strange. Anyone have any advise ?