One brake light working

[grannyknot]

Hazard switch and turn signals work fine, but when I step on the brakes only the diverside rear light comes on, with the ignition turned off and my foot still on the brake if I push the turn signal arm down to the left the driverside brake light turns off and the passenger side brake light turns on.

After reviewing SteveJ's fantastic Turn signal Analysis, Hazard Switch ? Brake Light ? Turn Signal Circuit Analysis | Fiddling With Z Cars I'm thinking there might be something screwy going on with the T/S switch. Just wondering what you guys think before I open the switch up?

Thanks,

Chris

[TBone028]

Small thing to consider...I had something wonky with my one of my brake lights a few weeks ago...turned out the issue was one of the actual wire spade connections came loose in one of the 6 wire connectors under the clamshell cover. Couldnt find it until after I was jiggling wires while my foot was on the brake, watching the reflection of the light flickering off the garage door in the rearview mirror. After unplugging it, I was able to see it was just barely loose, giving me a faulty connection.

I feel for you, electrical issues are not fun to try and hunt down.

[SteveJ]

Electrical issues are not that bad as long as you keep the magic smoke in the wires.

If the issue changes when you manipulate the switch, it is a likely source. When the turn signal is in the left position, it breaks the contact for the left brake light. Conversely the right brake light contact is interrupted when the turn signal is in the position to signal a right turn. If the contact is broken in the middle position, the switch may need to be cleaned/adjusted.

Since you went through the hazard switch/brake light/turn signal analysis, I assume you also found the guide on cleaning the turn signal switch. It's not that daunting of a task. Just be careful with the tabs. If you need a replacement, I'm sure that either Dave Irwin or I could help you out. Dave probably has more time than I do right now, so he'd be the better alternative.

[grannyknot]

I have two brake lights!

SteveJ it was nice knowing what parts were in there before opening it up, and as you said very straight forward.

It just needed a good clean up and one contact tab to be bent a little more.

Thank you for the effort you put into that analysis.

Chris

[SteveJ]

It's good to hear you got it working. Now enjoy your Z before the snow (and salt) returns.