I finally got my charging system hooked back up and so I hooked up the battery again. My brake light switch was taken off when I removed the manual system and then I put it on after I had the power booster and everything hooked up. Here is the problem... The brake lights work when the lights (running lights and headlights) are off, but they are a little dim, and some of the side markers (running lights) light up as well. When the lights (head/running) are on the brake lights do not work at all. I have no idea why this is. Any suggestions or hints? Maybe this same problem has happened to others? Thanks for any info. This is very confusing. -Corbin
Still confused..... I went to the Mav and experimented with the problem I am having. The brake lights work with nothing on, but the side marker lights light as well. With the lights (head) they do not work at all. Also when I put on the lights only the marker lights work, not the tailights. When the blinker is on and I switch on the lights the blinker stops and the blinker doesn't flash anymore (it dies). With the flashers it does the same thing. Is this a headlight switch problem? What do you guys and gals think? Where should I attack this problem? Thanks for any help. There were no problems before I swapped my engine, and I didn't mess with the charging/electrical system except for taking of the alternator. HELP!!!!! -Corbin
First thing I would check is all your grounds. The ground wire from the battery originally went to the chassis first (attached to the base of the voltage regulator) then on to the block. A lot of people replace the ground wire over the years but run it straight to the block. As your car ages, connections corrode and collect dirt and grounds are not good enough. Try tapping off the ground at the battery and run a 12 or 10 ga wire directly to the chassis. Clean up all the connections to bare metal before connecting.
I had a similar problem in an ol 67 stang a number of years back. You are in for quite a mess. I can tell you two things. On the ol stangs, as I assume the mav too, the headlight switch controls just about everything. I had brake light problems also. I troubleshooted the entire elecrical system, and memorized every wiring diagram trying to fix it. I tried replacing the headlight switch, but with my luck, the used one I tried swapping it with was bad, and took me months to try the switch again. Headlight switches are cheap and easy to install, what the hell, give it a try. My maverick does something very weird, maybe others do as well. I have owned this car its entire life(mother bought it new) and every time the alternator goes out, or it is not charging properly, the blinker stops blinking, or slows INCREDIBLY. Like clockwork, everytime. Since your blinker also seems to slow or stopped, make sure the alternator is charging ok, and like mavaholic said, check the grounds
I will try both of those... Thanks guys. I will try both of those. I bought a new headlight switch today and should put it in tomorrow. I will also check all the grounds and related connections. Thanks for all your help, and I will let you know how it goes. -Corbin
All fixed!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!! I fixed it. It turned out to be a combo of the ground of the actual tail light holder and the switch. They work great now. Thanks for the help guys! -Corbin
