Classic/Antique Car Repair/brake lights

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Expert: - 6/13/2009


Question
QUESTION: I have a 1941 chevy. The tail lights and signal lights work but no brake lights,this is a new problem.Any hints would be very helpful.

ANSWER: Does this car have after market directionals? Let me know.
Brad

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QUESTION: Yes sir  they are older not sure when they were installed.

ANSWER: One more question please. Do the directionals have a seperate bulb or do they use the stop light filament of the tail light bulbs?
Brad

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QUESTION: Dual filaments neither is burnt.

Answer
Ok, the most probable cause is a defective stop light switch. The stop light switch is a hydraulic operated unit that screws into the hydraulic system at the master cylinder. With a test light or voltmeter check for current at the terminals of the switch, there should be on live one. If not the problem is back in the wiring or a blown fuse. If you have current have some one step in the brake while holding the test lead on the other terminal. it should come alive. If it does not then the switch is defective. If there is current there then the problem is in the wiring or a defective directional signal switch.
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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