Re: Hydraulic stop light switch

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2019/6/27 14:54:22

HH,


I've been looking at a lot of things. You might call it "monkeying around" but I'm seeing a lot and learning where things go. Two of the terminals in the hydraulic switch (which seem to be firmly connected) are an orange and a green wire. I took pics of all of this, but speaking from memory here: Coming out of the switch and bundled with other wires is our friend the yellow wire. Coming out of the bundle and going down through a grommet are a green, an orange and our friend, Mr. Yellow. I suspect these go through the firewall. There is also another wire of unknown color and origin going through at this point. Then, under the dash we find Mr. Yellow, Mr. Green and Mr. Orange (just think "Reservoir Dogs" if you saw that).

Under the dash I found one disconnected wire hanging down, but alas, it was Mr. Black. But maybe a ground wire that needs to go somewhere. The end of it was fitted to go into a plug type connector. It was hanging right where the wires were headed up into the steering column but was much too short to go up there. Does it connect behind instrument panel maybe? IDK

Then to the trunk. Followed the bundle of wires in there along left side. There is an entirely separate wire going to the trunk light switch from this bundle. I had NO IDEA that there was a mercury switch in the trunk light. (I had hunted all over to find a push-in switch like a door switch.) It looks like the unit is riveted in. I'll try to "tickle" it though. (The bulb is new and I cleaned to socket.)

More fun in the trunk with Mr. Yellow: He came out of the bundle of wires and went across the floor on at the back of the trunk. (that is, the edge nearest the bumper) and went through several links and maybe a fuse? I tried to upset as little as possible. I found the wires going through the grommet. I know these go to the license plate lights and the fuel gauge sender (a single wire goes there).

The yellow wire shows up along this route and as far as I can see ENDS at the bulb socket for the right rear tail light. It does NOT go to the left tail light. (I believe the wires going to the left tail light are green and orange). Which would make sense. Mr. Green, Mr. Orange and Mr. Yellow all wind up at the tail lights. The end. And nobody gets killed.


I have no electrical sense, no meter. All I got is my hands, my eyes, electrical tape, extra wire and some connectors, and a good set of tools. I never could read a schematic.

It's really essential to find out why the lights went out and where the fix is, rather than to have them start working again "for no reason." That would be awful. Sometimes when things "fix themselves" it's a very bad deal. Especially with electrical things.


Thanks for staying with me on this. Brake lights are so essential.


Guy