Question about rear lighting hookups

[aabts]

Hello!

I am working on a Ford E350 econoline suttle bus, currently neck deep in wiring trying to identify which wires connect to my break lights, tail lights, reverse lights, and blinkers. So far, we’ve been able to get the break lights and blinkers working, and the tail lights turn on, but won’t turn off.
Question 1: anybody know why the tail lights won’t turn off? Is there a tricky wiring trick that I’m not privy to?
Question 2: why do none of our wires make our reverse lights turn on except the break light wire.

I am entirely inexperienced in electrical work but have an electrician friend who works on homes helping. We are quite stumped. Anyone with some insights will surely be sent to Valhalla.

[CaptSquid]

Do you possibly mean BRAKE lights? Brakes are for stopping; breaks are for fixing.

[aabts]

Haha didn’t think my trouble distinguishing between homophones would cause me problems here. Now that we’ve established that my spelling was incorrect, any helpful advice?

[CaptSquid]

If your tail lights are constantly ON, you have them hooked up to a permanently hot lead. Needless to say, this will suck your batteries dry in no time.

Not knowing anything about Ford switches, I really can't help you .

[BlackJohn]

"Question 1: anybody know why the tail lights won’t turn off? Is there a tricky wiring trick that I’m not privy to?
Question 2: why do none of our wires make our reverse lights turn on except the break light wire. "


#1 Did you by any chance rewire the tail lights? They should work only off the headlight switch and could be connected obviously to a hot wire instead of a switched wire. Most headlight switches I have seen have 2 hot wires, one for the headlights and one for the tail lights but in one switch body, with a panel dimmer light rheostat.


#2 Are you moving the shifter into reverse to test? You didn't say so thought I better ask. The feed could be the same as the brake light but I doubt it. There are times you want reverse when ignition is "ON", without brake lights so that's how I'm thinking.


What led to you having to connect all the wires?


John

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by BlackJohn

"Question 1: anybody know why the tail lights won’t turn off? Is there a tricky wiring trick that I’m not privy to?
Question 2: why do none of our wires make our reverse lights turn on except the break light wire. "


#1 Did you by any chance rewire the tail lights? They should work only off the headlight switch and could be connected obviously to a hot wire instead of a switched wire. Most headlight switches I have seen have 2 hot wires, one for the headlights and one for the tail lights but in one switch body, with a panel dimmer light rheostat.


#2 Are you moving the shifter into reverse to test? You didn't say so thought I better ask. The feed could be the same as the brake light but I doubt it. There are times you want reverse when ignition is "ON", without brake lights so that's how I'm thinking.


What led to you having to connect all the wires?


John

Would I be correct assuming I can't check reverse lighting on a MT3060 unless the engine is running?

[BlackJohn]

I think you would see reverse light operation with key in "ON" position, motor not running, if you select reverse on the shifter.
Isn't that thing running yet?



John

[outnabowt]

What year is the bus? Who built the shuttle and can you take a couple pictures or let me know your wire colors? You have grabbed the wrong feed somehow. I can help you out once I know what you are working with.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by BlackJohn

I think you would see reverse light operation with key in "ON" position, motor not running, if you select reverse on the shifter.
Isn't that thing running yet?



John

I wasn't sure if the push button shifter would let it go out of neutral, but I checked and it does. So tomorrow I'll check and finish the rear door lighting.
No it isn't running yet. Getting it running has not been a priority as I have no lights in the rear , so can't take it anywhere. I have changed the fuel filter and the primer. Went to crank it up and it was like a door sensor keeping it from starting, but there are none. A few days later it started cranking and feels like it wants to start but won't, batteries are fully charged. Cowlitz recommended I start breaking injector lines loose.