cleaning sockets for tail lights

[RSOHC]

In the photograph by JWH I see one wire.  One end of the wire is connected to a screw that is not used by the factory wiring assembly.  To what location is the other end of the wire attached? I assume one wire is needed for each of the steel tail light housings.

Lauran

[Coralsnake]

Thats not a factory wire and to further complicate matters the housings are white metal which is not a ground

[RSOHC]

I have run a wire from each steel tail light housing.  One end of the wire is attached to a screw not used by the wiring harness.  the other end is attached to a screw in the steel panel that makes up the rear of the trunk.

The turn signals work front and back.

The emergency flashers work front and back. 

The brake lights work.

When the headlights are turned on, the headlights flicker and there is a clicking sound perhaps from the relay in the new ignition switch.    the gauge lights for oil pressure and water temperature flicker.  There are no tail lights.  I have not yet checked for a burnt fuse.

What might be causing this problem?

Lauran

[67350#1242]

Is the clicking coming from the headlight switch?  There is a thermal overload breaker inside in line with the headlight circuit.   I believe the tail lights are also on the same circuit.  Try unplugging one tail light or headlight at a time to isolate the short.  It is also possible that after improving all your grounds the circuit is now drawing more current and exposing a weak headlight switch breaker.
Kurt.

[RSOHC]

I have soldered wire between the sockets and to a ground in the trunk.  the clicking of the ignition switch has gone away.  I have no tail lights as before.

By what method does the ground find its way to the tail light panel which is fiberglass?  Is it the black  wire  with an electrical eyelet?  How does power get to the rear light bulbs when only the tail lights are on?  I still have no tail lights when the headlights are on.

Lauran

[RSOHC]

What flashers do I need for the sequential tail lights to operate properly?

Lauran

[Coralsnake]

Turn signsl flasher #323

[Chris Thauberger]

[RSOHC]

What is the number of the green flasher in the dash board area.  I have a Wagner 552. Is this correct?

Lauran

[Coralsnake]

We have no way of telling what number you flasher is?

There are two flashers under the dash, the turn signal flasher and the emergency flasher

[TLea]

TS flasher 323. E flasher 552. On original system e flasher will generally not sequence outer bulbs. This is normal.

[RSOHC]

At this point I believe the tail light problem has been solved.  I checked the black wire for running lights and the black wire for the ground associated with the dynamite sticks and they were reversed.   I swapped the two wires and all the functions with the tail lights seem to be working just fine.  Thanks for all the help.

Lauran

[TLea]

At this point I believe the tail light problem has been solved.  I checked the black wire for running lights and the black wire for the ground associated with the dynamite sticks and they were reversed.   I swapped the two wires and all the functions with the tail lights seem to be working just fine.  Thanks for all the help.

Lauran

Reversing those will usually toast your TS switch. You are lucky if it didn't

[RSOHC]

What is a TS switch?

Lauran

[Chris Thauberger]

Turn Signal