1959 Tail light question

[Bill Caddyshack]

My parking lights work. My blinkers on both sides work, but the Passenger side brake light does not work.


Someone said I may have a bad relay somewhere. Any ideas appreciated.


Bill

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

My parking lights work. My blinkers on both sides work, but the Passenger side brake light does not work.


Someone said I may have a bad relay somewhere. Any ideas appreciated.


Bill

Sounds like wiring issue or possible faulty brake light switch??

[curly]

There is no relay on a 59 Cad brake light system.
The brake light wiring passes through the turn signal switch.  When I was having issues with my rear lights, I took the T/S switch apart and lightly filed the contacts. I packed it with di-lectric grease tp help prevent corrosion.  It fixed my problem.

T Lewis

[Bill Caddyshack]

There is no relay on a 59 Cad brake light system.
The brake light wiring passes through the turn signal switch.  When I was having issues with my rear lights, I took the T/S switch apart and lightly filed the contacts. I packed it with di-lectric grease tp help prevent corrosion.  It fixed my problem.

T Lewis

Thank you, Curly. How do I get to the contacts? Do I pull the steering wheel? Bill


I like the dielectric grease. It helps in many areas. Tail light bulbs, especially.

[curly]

Yes, you have to pull the wheel to access the switch.  I took mine completely out of the steering wheel hub which was a PIA because the connector is almost exactly the same size as the hole for it. You just have to have patience and work at it. 
The horn wire will be in the way of the steering wheel  puller, so I loosened the steering nut but left it on, placed a socket over the shaft, resting on the nut. I then used the puller to push against the socket.  Hope that is clear, I don't have any pics.

TLewis

[Bill Caddyshack]

Yes, you have to pull the wheel to access the switch.  I took mine completely out of the steering wheel hub which was a PIA because the connector is almost exactly the same size as the hole for it. You just have to have patience and work at it. 
The horn wire will be in the way of the steering wheel  puller, so I loosened the steering nut but left it on, placed a socket over the shaft, resting on the nut. I then used the puller to push against the socket.  Hope that is clear, I don't have any pics.

TLewis

Thank, I think I got it. Bill

[curly]

Bill,
Before you pull the Steering wheel, unplug the T/S connector at the base of the column and use bullet connectors and some wire to jump from the brake light power wire to the brake light wires. This bypasses the T/S switch completely and will tell you if the problem is in the switch or somewhere else.

T Lewis