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Classic/Antique Car Repair/wiring problem - '56 FORD

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Expert: - 1/1/2008


Question
My turn  signals work but I have no brake lights on my 56 ford. I can't find a wiring diagram for my 56 ford to help locate the problem.  Can you offer any possible troubleshooting possibilities?  Don

Answer
Well, if the directionals work and the stops do not then everything from the output side of the directional switch to the rear including the bulbs and grounds is ok and they share that system. The stop light switch should be right at the end of the master cylinder. One of the wires to the switch should be live at all times. Check it with a test light or a voltmeter. No voltage then look for a blown fuse or bad connections. If there is voltage, then jump the two leads with a cotter pin or jumper wire. If there are then stop lights the hydraulic switch is defective. If the stop lights do not work, then you have defective wiring or a defective directional light switch. Good luck.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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