Parking lights come on when brakes are applied?

[studawg]

Im electrically illiterate, is this a ground issue? Headlights all of the sudden stopped working recently, too. Not real good with a multimeter, either..... Any suggestions of where to start?

-----its a 1975 FJ40

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Im electrically illiterate, is this a ground issue? Headlights all of the sudden stopped working recently, too. Not real good with a multimeter, either..... Any suggestions of where to start?

What year is the truck?

 

[studawg]

Sorry, 1975 FJ40

 

[bikersmurf]

Yes, its at least partly a ground issue.
Google 'never underestimate the importance of a ground ih8mud'


Headlights either a ground or a fuse.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Not real good with a multimeter..... Any suggestions of where to start?

You're going to have to learn the ways of the meter. Find a buddy who's good at it.

By your description, I'd guess you have a short in the rear chassis harness. I believe there is a plug to the main harness. You could disconnect it there and see if the problem goes away. That could save you from having to dig around under the dash.

Anyone who has a '70s fj40 has problems with grounds. It's just a given. Get happy with a file and a wire brush. A .22 bore cleaning brush is great for cleaning up the fuse holders.

 

[studawg]

Thanks for the tips guys, I'm goin' in. If Im not back here within a few days, send help!

 

[MicahMan]

This happens often times when LED bulbs are used as they are not all one way circuits. The lights have a common ground and since LED lights are so low resistance they can energize the circuit so the marker lights come on as well. That's what happened to me on my FJ60. So I put the non LED 1157 lights back in. Hunt the ground or even the Light switch as I had some funky wiring with mine!

 

[MrMoMo]

Have a trailer wire converter box? If so, rip it out for starters and see if the problem goes away.

 

[Poser]

Adjust your rear brakes, and this flashing light will stop.