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Post Info TOPIC: '56 Pathfinder blows brake fuses


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'56 Pathfinder blows brake fuses


My '56 2 dr HT blows brake light fuses at random times but always within 5-10 min of beginning drive.   Signals continue to work after brake fuse blows.   Wiring diagrams are atrocious!!!   Traced circuit using both Ohm meter & test light.   Circuit seems to flow like; 12V+ fr fuse block to brake light switch to signal switch to rear dual sockets & ground thru bulb.    Testing done w/ all bulbs (front & rear) both installed and removed.   Appears harness to rear is OK (isolated by unplugging 6 pin under dash connector).    Cannot find any short to ground.    What am I missing?    Most likely suspect is?     Thanks.



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Poncho Master!

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You have the circuit figured out correctly. (Basically the same as Chevy, except for ammeter and a few other things.)

I hate fixing electrical stuff. Usually I find the wires of the affected circuit (which you have done) and just start replacing things. (I have replaced headlight switch, turn signal switch, and flasher.) My brake lights did not work and my notes say it was a wiring problem (I did not buy any parts)  but it was so long ago (2008) I don't remember exactly what it was. Might have had to do with the fuse block and wires connected there, since I have no less than 7 detailed pictures of it in my files.

Since this happens after you have been driving a short while, maybe something is affected by movement? What seems most likely in that case is the brake light switch - try replacing that, get the one for the Chevy (NOT Pontiac), not hard to find, cheap, easy to replace (Advance Auto Parts has them in stock at my local store, $6.99 US).

Since turn signals still work, not likely that the turn signal switch is the problem - but pull the horn button, inspect the switch carefully, especially the white wire coming in, is it firmly affixed to the switch? Frayed where it comes out of the column toward the switch? Also check at the bottom of the steering column where that miserable (if you ever have to replace this wiring, you will find out why I call it miserable) 6-strand wire bundle comes out, any fraying of the wires?

How about the red wire that comes into the fuse block - connection good, any fraying of the wire?

Hope this helps.

Dave



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56Pontiac  1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod

  1964 Acadian Beaumont SD convert, 283 - factory 195 hp, Powerglide, 3.08 10-bolt - Cruiser

  2012 US-built crew cab truck - Daily Driver and Boat Trailering



A Poncho Legend!

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Man, I was SURE I had posted on this last night, but I don't see it, so....

Crazy as it sounds, have you tried all new bulbs in the park lamps, brake and tail lights? It's a cheap try, and a bad bulb that is intermittent can sure mess with your mind!

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars



Poncho Master!

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I agree with Dave. Problem has to be before the signal switch. Since both circuits share the same wiring and bulbs after the signal switch. 



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'68 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible Matador Red (Resale Red but not for sale).

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