break lights

[RUfj40crazy]

Ok so ive checked out the tech links and still cant really figure this out!

Ive got a 76' 40, the problem is i have no hot leads (checked with volt mtr) going to the rear end for break lamps. Is there a problem area(s) that should be looked at before I try and follow the wiring all the way back up to the firewall to find the problem. And yes I did check fuses first .

Im thinking that maybe theres issues due to the PO's v8 swap, as it was only a hunting rig and im not sure that the lights worked afterward.

 

[bad_religion_au]

is the switch working?

is the switch on?

you shouldn't have any voltage until the switch is on...

 

[skyshark186]

Dido, and by the way you can edit your posts so that it doesnt reiterate what your post says. We know they are broke, thats why you posted.

BRAKES

 

[RUfj40crazy]

Yes
and
Yes

All electricals are on and working, my turn signal relay needs to be replaced but I figured that wouldnt affect the running lights or when the pedal is depressed.

 

[sherwood]

Let me preface this with saying, I only have the Haynes (multiple wiring diagrams) to go by for '76.

The first thing I would look at is the brake light switch behind the brake pedal. Starting you troubleshooting here will give you the biggest bang for the buck.

The path is very straight forward..... battery -> ammeter -> ignition switch -> fuse block -> brake pedal switch -> wire to tail light assembly.

(assuming P.O. didn't mess with Toyota's wiring) If your horn blows, headlights work, or license plate lights, or parking lights work, then you can ignore the battery, ammeter, and ignition switch portions of the above path. That leaves you with the fuse/block, brake light switch and wires running aft. You can do your trouble shooting with the ignition switch OFF. Brake lights (like headlights) should function with ignition OFF.

With one lead of your voltmeter on a good ground (some bolt passing through the firewall) you should have 12v on one side of the brake switch and nothing on the other side. With the brake pedal depressed, you should have voltage on both sides of the brake switch.

No voltage on either side, then look back toward the 20A "STOP" fuse in the fuse block.

Voltage on one side of the switch and none on the other side when pedal depressed = bad switch or adjustment of switch mounting.

Voltage on both sides of the switch with pedal depressed = discontinuity in wire to tail light assebly.

Voltage at the tail light assembly when pedal depressed = bad ground or bad socket or bad bulb

(According to Haynes manual wiring diagram, a green/White wire went from the brake switch to the brake light socket. A Green/Red wire to the fuse block.)

john

Sorry for being long-winded ... I used to write tech manuals... precise... concise... unambiguous........ and cover your ass with caveats

 

[RUfj40crazy]

I dont think you can ever be too long winded when trouble shooting. Thanks for the tech tips now I have a little more to run with. Need to go order a Haynes whenever i can spare the cash.
Thanks Ill give it the once over again on Thurs

 

[sherwood]

But.... please just forget the Haynes Manual for now.
Get the Toyota Factory Service Manuals.... FSM's..... ASAP

After you have the Toyota FSM's, you can consider Haynes, Gregory, etc. for your library.

It is stressed over and over on the Land Cruiser BBS's & mailing lists.
Even if you own NO TOOLS AT ALL..... these are about the most important tools to buy.
Available from several sources, including members of this august board.

Engine Manual
Chassis Manual
Electrical wiring schematics and diagrams
Emissions Manual

They cost a few bucks, but you'll never regret buying them up front. Bite the bullet !!!

The only problem with the FSM's is that I can't find a part number for a metric screwdriver

 

[Outback]

You can't spell for crap...

AAAAAGGgggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Damnit!!! It's NOT BREAK it's BRAKE!!! BRAKE damnit, b-r-a-k-e!!!!!

If I see one more of you freaks spell brake "break" I'm gonna kick your fawkin' ass!!

you if you have a problem with this. It drives me nuts!!!!

One hella pissed off Jody.

 

[drohweder]

Gezz man. Relax, you're going to brake a blood vessel in your brain or something

 

[RUfj40crazy]

Gee if u spent all fawkin day lookin @ wirin Im sure you’d wanna BREAK the dam Brake.

And by the way I didn’t study English or worry about typing too much in college either.

OOO yes it was a big word I know,

Preoccupied; A. Absorbed in thought; engrossed. B. Excessively concerned with something; distracted.

 

[drohweder]

Thats cool man, guess we can give you a brake this time.

 

[Outback]

LOL!!!

I guess I just needed to vent. That's been driving me nuts for quite a while now.

No biggie guys...

A much more relaxed Jody.

 

[RUfj40crazy]

Ride on!!

 

[skyshark186]

You mean i cant go out and brake in my breaks?

 

[atoyot]

AAAAAGGgggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Damnit!!! It's NOT BREAK it's BRAKE!!! BRAKE damnit, b-r-a-k-e!!!!!

If I see one more of you freaks spell brake "break" I'm gonna kick your fawkin' ass!!

you if you have a problem with this. It drives me nuts!!!!

One hella pissed off Jody.

Will somebody give this guy a braque already!

(I think you need to get a six pack of good beer and rent the movie Elf!)

 

[drohweder]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=26590

Here is your answer--look toward the bottom.