Brake lights not working properly

MOSHBIKES21

MEMBER
1976 FORD F-150
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
168,000 MILES

Okay, with the parking lights on and the key off the driver lamp is lit pass lamp not lit. 2 parking lights on with key on both lamps lit. 3 driver turn signal on works and pass parking lamp still on. 4 pass turn signal on works and driver parking lamp off. 5 brakes engaged pass brake works driver lamps dead. Both bulbs are brand new.
now for the bulbs the driver side. 1 park lamp on top spring lit. 2 turn lamp on top spring flashes. 3 brakes engaged no spring lit.
pass side bulb 1 park lamp on top spring lit. 2 turn signal on bottom spring flashing. 3 brakes engaged both springs lit constant.
also looks as if the pass side bulb holder with the wires 3 to be specific red green black looks to be the original holder.
the driver side looks to be newer different color of wires I think something like green with yellow stripe and brown.
problems could be? Need new headlight switch? Need to get OEM bulb holder for driver side? And why the hell does my pass side not work when the key is off? Looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

The first thing to check is if the correct bulbs are installed, 1157 for brake light socket, and 1156 for ALL others, 1157 has two lead ends and if it's installed in a 1156 single socket, ALL kinds of wierd stuff will happen with lights, and even dash lighting. Same is true if an 1156 bulb is put into an 1157 socket. Then if you have a floor high beam switch, check or replace it. These get water in them on a regular basis and where a poor design, even though they were used for years! Unplug it and see if the brake and parking lights work right.

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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 1:28 PM

MOSHBIKES21

MEMBER
14 POSTS

Thanks for the tips. Provided helpfull. I checked bulbs they were right the high beem switch is good to. Figured out the pass side tail light wires were crossed. With the driver side I hooked ground straight to the bulb then tested the wires to the 2 termanals on it and it worked great there for found the problem was a short in the tail light holder. Hope someone else gets use out of this to lol thanks again. You guys are great and will keep refering people to this site and keep giving money cause save a ton from here

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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 6:45 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Ok good work!

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Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 AT 2:31 AM

CARTER JEPPSON

MEMBER
1 POST

I have a 1976 Ford F-150 ranger xlt. I as well am having blinker and brake light issues. My brake lights won’t turn on at all. I have put new bulbs in and made sure they were correct. The turning signals only work on the front right and the rear left. I have put all new sockets and bulbs in and checked the fuses. I’ve checked the brake light switch on the brake pedal and it is in good working order as well. I would really appreciate the help.

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Monday, May 25th, 2020 AT 3:28 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

What was or is the voltage to the brake light switch. Check it on both sides with the pedal depressed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

If you have voltage and none at the rear, then you have a harness issue.

If you do not have voltage, then check your fuses for power on both sides.

Roy