'40 stop lights and tail lights

[mike42]

After all the work I've been doing with new master cylinder and speed bleeders at each wheel........I don't have stop lights or tail lights when I press on brake or turn the head lights on. Headlights work, but tail lights don't.

So........ what have I done now ?

Thx

[JSeery]

With stock wiring (non-turn signal) the tail lights and brake lights are different circuits. Would be odd for both to stop working unless it is a ground issue. I would start by checking the tail light grounds. On the standards the brake lights and tail lights are on different post on the light switch and on the deluxe the brakes are wired from the CB post and the tail lights from a light switch post.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by JSeery

With stock wiring (non-turn signal) the tail lights and brake lights are different circuits. Would be odd for both to stop working unless it is a ground issue. I would start by checking the tail light grounds. On the standards the brake lights and tail lights are on different post on the light switch and on the deluxe the brakes are wired from the CB post and the tail lights from a light switch post.

With respect, all 1940 Ford passenger car lamps are wired identically. That goes for the switch, etc. "Same ol, same ol".
The only exception is some models (the so called "standard") typically had one tail lamp so there would be no crossover harness at the rear most frame rail,

[JSeery]

Not my idea Kube, that's what the wire diagrams show. LOL! Anyway, the brake and tail lighys are still seperate wires. Someone needs to talk to the wiring diagram folks!!!

[mike42]

Thx Seery for diagram. Pretty basic to follow. Kube I installed the second tail light on passengers side a few years ago and bought the rear crossover wire. I've had no problems until this master cylinder mess started. I'm going to replace the stop light switch this morning as the brown goo that came out of master may have harmed it's function and then check all the wiring again.

Thx

[Terry,OH]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Schematic diagrams indicate electrical connection and not physical. A wiring diagram differs from schematics because it does indicate physical connection.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Terry,OH

Schematic diagrams indicate electrical connection and not physical. A wiring diagram differs from schematics because it does indicate physical connection.

That's true Terry, but it is showing the wire to a totally different component! And they are showing a difference between models, but you are correct the connection ends up being basely the same electrically. That is not the first error I have found on the wiring diagrams.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by JSeery

That's true Terry, but it is showing the wire to a totally different component! And they are showing a difference between models, but you are correct the connection ends up being basely the same electrically. That is not the first error I have found on the wiring diagrams.

I hope and trust you know I meant NO disrespect to you. You often have a a lot of good insight to offer folks on the Barn.
As you know and have stated, many of those diagrams contain errors.

[JSeery]

Yep, I was just going by the diagrams, I don't have direct experence with every years wiring! So, it's good to get feedback on the diagram errors. The feedback is appreciated!!a

[mike42]

So........I traced the wires and all was okay. So I went to the basics......are the bulbs burned out ! Bingo......both were cooked !

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by mike42

So........I traced the wires and all was okay. So I went to the basics......are the bulbs burned out ! Bingo......both were cooked !

LOL, hard to get them burnt out lights to work!!!

[mike42]

Yup.......it's that way every time too ! Now trying to figure out why they would both burned like that, plus the license plate lite cooked !

Seery ....thx again for the diagrams. Made things easier to trace.

Mike