Classic/Antique Car Repair/1964 ford f150

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Expert: - 5/7/2010


Question
QUESTION: Why do the tail lights go out when the head lights are turned on?

ANSWER: When are the tail lights on? has the truck been restored or rewired?
Let me know.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The tail lights work when the brakes are applied.  The truck has not been restored or rewired.  Thanks, Ken

Answer
Ok, here is what is happening. The rear tail light bulbs are double filament bulb, one for the tail lights, which are not as bright as the stop lights, and the other for the stop lights. The tail lights are used more than the stop lights and it is possable that the tail light filament is burned out on the bulbs. So I would first check the bulbs to be sure that they are ok. If the bulbs are ok then I would take my handi dandi test light and probe the socket with the headlghts turned on. If there is no voltage to the sockets then I would check the fuse on the back of the headlight switch. If it is ok and still no tail lights let me know and we will go to the next steps.
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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