NON MUSTANG TECH - Brake light problem 88 Chevy Cheyenne Truck

[FivePointStang]

Sorry, I know this isnt Mustang related, but I tried a truck forum, but it is a ghost town there. This is something probably really simple, too.

Its my dads farm truck actually, an 88 Chevy Cheyenne with like 45K actual miles.
Anyway, sometime within the past year the brake lights stopped working. I checked the BRAKE/HAZARD fuse and it was fine. Hazards in front work, though. The bulbs have been replaced in the back. The lights do work in the back when the headlights are on, but they dont get any brighter when the brake is applied.

Any ideas?

 

[Mike97gt]

does the rear directionals and hazards work?

 

[FivePointStang]

does the rear directionals and hazards work?

No, the rear directionals and hazards DO NOT work. Only the turn signals/hazards for the front work.

The fuse it runs off of is for the seatbeat buzzer, brakes, radio station memory, and hazards.

Hmmmm

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The switch that is actuated when the brake pedal is depressed could be the problem.

 

[96BlueStangGT]

The switch that is actuated when the brake pedal is depressed could be the problem.

He could be right, I've seen it before. What happened in my case was that the wire got cut from something rubbing it. Look way up under the dash and see if there are any wires near the brake pedal.

 

[FivePointStang]

Ill try to get up underthere and take a look at the wires, but does that make sense that the blinkers wouldnt work?

Im about to roll this truck down the hill and be done with it. LOL

 

[CanadaStang]

Take an OHM meter or a 12 volt tester, prop a stick between the seat and the brake peddle [or have someone hold the brake on] and crawl under the truck and start checking for power, starting from the tail lights and work your way along until you hit power. Just poke a pin [or use the pointy thing on the end of the tester wire ] to poke into the wire and touch the other end of the tester onto the frame.

 

[MaxedGT]

It's likely your turn signal switch. If I remember the colours correct. Brake switch when applied sends power to the turn signal switch, on a white wire. Then the power leaves the switch on a green wire and a yellow wire (or brown), when the turn signal switch is centred. You can check at the base of the column, the turn signal switch connector is clipped to the column and is accessable there, under the dash. Use a test light to check for power. Sometimes the wires brake at the turn signal switch connector. The brake switches do fail as well.

 

[FivePointStang]

Thanks guys, I will give it another look tomorrow if i get the chance...