where is the ground wire for the brake lights?

[coleboy11]

Where is the ground wire for the brake lights on an 85 2wd 4 banger ranger? I am getting an intermittent brake light. I am getting voltage through the brake light switch, just want to check the ground next. Where is it and what color is it? Thanks

 

[Earl43P]

Probably on the front fender, under the hood.

Clean them all and don't forget the one on the radiator support.


If you are talking about the light in the dash that says Brake, it could be either the ground for the parking brake or more likely, the brake master cylinder low fluid switch. you can disconnect that switch and see if it stops flickering, or add brake fluid to make it stop.

By the way, when brake fluid reservoir is low, it means you need new brake pads.


MYTH # 6 - The brake fluid reservoir should be topped up during routine service.

In most modern passenger cars, the brake fluid reservoir is designed with a specific volume and is equipped with an internal float. The volume corresponds to the amount of fluid that will be displaced when the pads have worn to the point of replacement plus a generous reserve. When the replacement point is reached, the descending float completes an electrical circuit and a light appears on the dash warning the driver that the pads should be replaced.
If the brake fluid is topped up the first warning of warn out pads will be the screech of steel backing plate against iron disc. This will be both annoying and expensive.

From: http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/-warped-brake-disc-and-other-myths

 

[Scrambler82]

I’ve heard near the license plate.
Check the bulb sockets too.

If you can determine which wire is the ground you can spline in a new ground wire for each side.

 

[Explorin94]

Make your own at the tail light. Should be a black wire. Use a self tapping screw and a eyelet wire connector, go directly to the inner bed structure.

 

[Scrambler82]

coleboy11,

How’s the ground wire thing going ?

Just wondering if you got it working ok ?