QuestionI have a 1952 Pontiac Chieftain. The break lights are not working. I have checked the fuses but I am not sure what the volts should be. I have tried 20 volt. What could be the problem?
AnswerThe fuse rating that matters is the ampere rating - and 20 is OK - maybe a bit high for your car, but that can't be your problem anyway.
The first thing to check is your brake light switch. If you have a test light or a voltmeter, check to see if there is battery voltage on either of the terminals of the brake light switch. If there is no voltage there, either a wire is disconnected or broken.
If there is voltage on one of the terminal, but not the other one, have a helper step on the brake while you check for voltage on both terminals. Now you should have voltage on both of them -if you don't, the brake light switch has failed. Replace it - they are available at any NAPA store - it is part number SL134 for your car, they are cheap and easy to change, but you will need special brake switch socket to make it easier to do. You can do it with a large crescent wrench if you are handy with tools in small spaces, but otherwise, spring for the special socket.
The brake light switch is attached to the front brake lines, forward of the master cylinder - it is the only thing on the brake fluid lines that has wires going to it. It looks like a metal mushroom, sort of, with two electrical terminals coming out of it.
If there is voltage on both terminals when your helper steps on the brake pedal, things get complicated. I need to know if your car has turn signals before I can go further with this.
If you cannot check for voltage because you don't have a test light or meter, you can bypass the switch by connecting the two wires together - that should make the brake lights come on - if it does, the switch is your problem. If it doesn't, there is a problem somewhere in the wiring or the turn signal switch - you may have to take the car to an automotive electrician to get it straightened out.
Dick
