Well long story short my brake lights (67 chevelle) decided not to work. I just got through reading some earlier posts and still can't locate the problem.

Everything works great except the brake lights. I just checked the white and orange wires at the switch and the white wire has constant 12v and the orange has volatage when brake is applied.

What's my next step?
Thanks

John:confused:

Get the wiring diagram specific to your car.
I've seen that problem on other GM cars and it isn't really good news. On the ones I worked on, the power from the brake switch goes up into the turn signal switch in the steering column and from there to the rear brake lights. If your 67 is wired like that, the signal switch in the column would be the next place to check, but look at a wiring diagram first so you don't go down the wrong road.

the signal switch in the column would be the next place to check
If your indicators work ? The signal switch (brake light contacts) could be fouled up with dry grease and gunk.
Pull the wheel off and a liberal spray with contact cleaner or WD-40 could get them working again.

I just checked the white and orange wires at the switch and the white wire has constant 12v and the orange has volatage when brake is applied.

John:confused:

I think that's backwards, the white wire should feed power into the turn signal switch ONLY when the brake pedal is pushed.

Power then feeds OUT of the turn signal switch to the rear harness to the lights.

I think that's backwards, the white wire should feed power into the turn signal switch ONLY when the brake pedal is pushed.
Power then feeds OUT of the turn signal switch to the rear harness to the lights.
That's correct Dean, I think you should check that again John ?

Thanks Guys,

I will do some more checking and let you know what I find.

Hey Dean , you are right the white wire gets voltage when brake is applied. I guess there right when they say your memory is the first thing to go.

Still trying to figure this problem out without pulling steering wheel. Is there wires I can check coming out of the steering column that would light the test light when the brake pedal is depressed. I am using the wiring diagrams on Dales CD.

Thanks John

Is there wires I can check coming out of the steering column that would light the test light when the brake pedal is depressed.

Thanks John

Yes, it's the same wires that are flashing hot/not hot, hot/not hot, hot/not hot, hot/not hot when the turn signal is actuated. :D
Both the left and right should be hot when the brake pedal is depressed AND the turn signal switch is OFF.

Have you checked the ground at the tail light sockets? I'd bet $10 it's a lack of ground at the tail light sockets.

A quick test is (as mentioned above) to determine if the turn signals work. If the turn signals work the problem is not at the rear. If neither the running lights nor turn signals nor brake lights work, it's probably a bad ground in the tail light sockets.

Do the other rear light functions (running lights, turn signals) work at all?

OK guys here is what I have so far.

Turn signals work.
Parking lights work.
4- ways work.
Break lights do not.

I also tested the body harness ribbon in the trunk.
My tester flashes OK when I turn the right and left signals on.

What do you guys think?

What do you guys think?

N.C. contacts in turn signal switch not working.
I suppose you could jumper the wires to the white to confirm.

I would agree with Dean, if the switch is working and the other light functions are working, it has to be failing in the turn signal switch. I suppose it is also possible you have a bad connection for the brake light circuit in the half moon connector at the base of the steering column.

That turn switch can cause a lot of headaches.

My 79 Chev C-10 with tilt------3rd turn switch due to flexing wires.
One time----everything worked just fine with the wheel down----nothing in the rear worked with the wheel up. (29 yrs, 400,000mi - one fuel tank selector switch and three turn switches-----not too shabby)

Hey Guys,

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I just got done fixing the break light problem. As you all suggested it was a broken wire in the turn signal switch. I fixed the wire, cleaned the contacts, and everything works fine.

Thanks Again
John