Brake lights have "stopped" working!!

[vernz]

The brake light relay on my 59, made in November 1958, is located in the trunk on the outside surface of one of the vertical stampings on the drivers side of the trunk. Here's a picture in which you can see the wiring connector protruding from behind the vertical member:

[JohnG]

Vern , you are a good man!! Thanks!!!

Do we have anyone else with the trunk material not installed who could see what they have??

I have restored the trunk in my 58 and don't recall seeing that but I wasn't looking for it. I hate to take the wallboard off to peek as it is somewhat flimsy stuff. I may try the sound approach with someone hitting the brake pedal and me listening for the relay.

John

[drclarkra]

It is not in this location on my 60 Bird.

[JohnG]

I stood next to the rear of my 58 with a long stick last night and worked the brake pedal so the lights went on and off. Did not hear a sound from the rear fender... Maybe the relay makes no sound but they usually do...

relayless

[vernz]

John G. They make plenty of sound. The rear seat is out of my car right now and I could hear the relay from the drivers seat with no problem. That's how I knew I had a relay.

Vern

[GTE427]

Vern, thanks for the photo, you're one of the few with that relay still functioning. I have an NOS brake light relay from Bob's Bird House and said he doesn't ever remember selling one before.

The 58 and 59 wiring diagrams show this relay, the 60 diagram is missing this relay. I worked on a 60 (built date 12/59) that didn't have the relay and the harness was not made up for one either.

John, guessing yours was bypassed sometime in the past.

[Anders]

It is not in this location on my 60 Bird.

Not in my ´58 either.... Could follow the wire from the lights all the way in thrue the rear seat.

[vernz]

Interesting that some 58's don't have the relay. If it had been jumpered out you would see the wires connected together where they used to be attached to the plug. I took a picture of my relay pulled out so you can see how the wiring exits the harness for the relay. Note how the relay is mounted in rubber to reduce the sound transmission when it triggers.

Vern

[Anders]

Will try to catch that little sucker during the weekend, and let you know where it´s hidden. If I find it, that is, but I´m in a hunting mode...
Maybe they change the position during the year, as some kind of "inprovement" by some sort.. When is your car build Vern? Mine is from May 15.

[saverio]

Back Up Lights

Hey Guys,
I haven't been following these posts, so if I repeat or say something that doesn't apply, forgive me for my attempt to help.
I had a problem with my back up lights not working,and accidently was playing with the slop in my shift selector when my wife who was standing towards the rear of the car,said the lights just came on. I started playing with the shift lever and lo and behold,I found my problem.

Anyway, Good Luck with your quest,you have some of the finest T-Bird minds on this site.

Sal

[bcomo]

Sal:

Soooooo -- what was the problem with the shift lever?

How did you fix it?

[vernz]

Anders,

Mine is a 59 built November 10, 1958.

Vern

[trim code 76]

to continue.....

Ok, sorry for the delay guys but have been very busy. Here is the latest. On a multi tester I have a reading of 12 at the battery. At the teminal on the light switch that is for the green wires that lead to the brake light swith I have a reading of 12. At the break light switch I have a reading of 0. Then I took a wire and bypassed the green wire from the light switch to the brake light switch, I got a reading of 12 at the brake light switch. So that would tell me that I had a problem on the green wires that went from the head light switch to the brake light switch (makes sence). Here is the stumper for me... with the bypass wire in place and a reading of 12 at the stop light switch, I STILL do not have brake lights!!!!!! Is this because The green wire also runs to the brake lights and by bypassing it I have bypassed the brake lights?? Also, I have looked around quite a bit for the "inline fuse" behind the dash. I have located the green wires from the headlight switch and followed them into a larger bundel of wires sealed in black electrical tape by the factory. I can not see them hiding the inline fuse inside the bundle covered in black tape. A side note is that I replaced my tailight pods and then noticed I had no brake lights. I do not know if I had them before or how long before. I know they worked when I got the car. Also, the rest of the lights and turn signals do work. VERY FRUSTRATING!! Thanks guys!!

[FeFranco]

I thought you sold it by now. Anyway, take off the door sill plate and see if you can find that green wire. If you do follow it up toward the dash. You should, if its there, run into an inline fuse, if the wiring is anything like my '60. Now, unlike Vernz Bird, mine has no relay in the trunk.

[trim code 76]

Thanks! I will check in a couple of days, busy schedule now. Mine has no relay in the trunk as well. Any other ideas?? This is a tough one!