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Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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jwd396
New User
Aug 6, 2018, 5:29 PM
Post #1 of 9
(1197 views)
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Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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Hello all,
Here is my vehicle. 1964 Ford F100 Pickup, 292 engine, 64000 miles, in great shape. Ok, so I am teaching myself "how to work on auto electrical."
My QUESTION is on taillights that are not working. I know how to find power and ground. But I am not sure about what "method" to use to Trace my power wiring back to the front of the vehicle. In case I need to. What Method is the best to use ?? I have a test light and good multimeter. I know there are some experts here. Thank you for your help.
John
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 6, 2018, 7:43 PM
Post #2 of 9
(1179 views)
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Re: Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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The only way is to follow a wiring diagram to isolate the cause and I don't know where you are going to find one of them for that truck.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 6, 2018, 8:15 PM
Post #3 of 9
(1173 views)
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Re: Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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Wadya know, I found one.
The image is very large so I didn't want to put it into this thread
Here is a link
http://autoforums.carjunky.com/...pic/19lHaWv/1403.jpg
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Aug 6, 2018, 8:28 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 6, 2018, 10:50 PM
Post #4 of 9
(1158 views)
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Re: Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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Too cool! '64 F-100! John - Which lights aren't working? Brake lights may sense pressure at or near single master cylinder on/off switch sensing pressure - really!
Note: Whole era sockets for bulbs if original should have spring loaded pushing nubs to exactly touch matching nubs of bulbs - the springs would give out. Can find new old stock or OEE (original equipment equivalent) for Mustangs probably utility trailers!
Note if you get there with a problem: Fords, reluctant to go 12V from 1956 used a lot of 6V gauges (not many) for dash if not the basic stuff will read either double or 1/2 if not thru a resistor I never found new didn't look hard enough.
Do make double sure engine block grounds to body metal are all intact and good also to frame usually exposed braided straps flex and break available new still used for assorted things.
Watch out, if not grounded can pick on shift linkage and even speedometer cable/case and raise all hell.
Love it, Lee Iacocca lives on! (forget the Pinto later)
 Lee IacoccaLido Anthony "Lee" Iacocca is an American automobile executive best known for spearheading the development of Ford Mustang and Pinto cars, while at the Ford Motor Company in the 1960s,
Tom
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jwd396
New User
Aug 7, 2018, 6:12 AM
Post #5 of 9
(1145 views)
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Re: Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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So please tell me if this is correct. This is how I TRACE the wiring back to the front, from what I have READ. (brake lights not working) Get my wiring diagram, and THANKS for that. Take my Test Light and go to every connection, and put the Test Light on that connection. Also, pay special attention to places where anyone has hacked and taped up wiring. More or less, just Work my way towards the front of vehicle.
I am retired and Auto Electrical is my hobby. I have learned how to find voltage drop, test grounds, test continuity, test bulbs, use my meter etc. I visit the various Forums and really look for guys who are electrical experts and read what they say. You guys are the EXPERTS on this site and I will read every post on here. Thanks so much for your help. This site is lucky to have you here.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 7, 2018, 6:29 AM
Post #6 of 9
(1141 views)
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Re: Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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First - find the brake light switch. I guessed it might be at the master cylinder not seen at the brake pedal like a motion sensing button up under. Fuses should test all good when they should have power know they do both the metal ends of the glass and the squeeze barbs those go in.
Carry on finding switch should always have 12V and pass than on to next connection shown or item if just power checking.
If you do this check that the bulbs really work off the truck you can with even a 9V battery and clips. For light bulbs with filaments 9V works is DC current just not as bright as 12V and more if running engine when installed.
Start with the switch has power to it then go look for troubles,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 7, 2018, 7:20 AM
Post #7 of 9
(1134 views)
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Re: Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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You have the right idea but you don't have to follow a wire continuously. Just go directly to specific junction points to narrow it down more quickly. Once you have the part of the circuit with an issue, you can be more thorough with inspection.
You can also use the voltage drop method to test various sectors.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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jwd396
New User
Aug 7, 2018, 12:11 PM
Post #8 of 9
(1122 views)
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Re: Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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Guys, I found my problem at a corroded connector. Thank you for the Excellent Advice !!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 7, 2018, 12:14 PM
Post #9 of 9
(1119 views)
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Re: Question on Tracing Wiring - Taillights
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Glad to hear it.
I'll close this now as solved.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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