Brake light issue.

[bdunnam]

Ok so as of right now i have only 1 brake light that works, all the other lights work perfectly, but the driver side brake light is the only light that doesnt work. But it will work if i cut on the right hand blinker, and blinks when the left turn. Any ideas or thoughts on why it only works if the blinker is on?

 

[jeffgtoman]

Bad turn signal switch.

 

[escobar]

Yep. I'm going through that right now myself. You can lift or push the turn signal lever in very small increments and maybe find the right position for the brake light to work. I'm digging in tomorrow to see if I can salvage any functionality.

 

[bdunnam]

well it shouldnt be a bad turn signal switch. I had it replaced right after i bought it 2 yrs ago.

 

[jeffgtoman]

Bad turn signal switch. Try what Escobar is talking about. Wiggle your turn signal lever while holding the brake pedal down. Also pull up and push down on it. Even when you aren't using turn signals, the brake light circuit goes thru the turn signal switch. Brass buttons inside the switch have to line up and touch each other to make everything function properly. It should have lasted longer than 2 years. I doubt you got a Motorcraft or AC Delco switch. If it was made in China, it may done.

One more thing. Make sure you have your parking lights on so you can tell by the brightness that you are seeing a full brake light. If you have a bad ground one one light assembly, the brake light can ground thru the parking light, making you think you have a good brake light.

 

[JLCBikes]

My Jeep has two element bulbs in the back. Could one of the elements be burnt in the bulb, or some corrosion be blocking the voltage between contacts and bulb in the light housing? Just my 2 cents..... My boat trailer is always having these types of problems, but of course it goes under water....

 

[CJ]

Brake lights and turn signals use the same element, the parking light is a different one.

A hazard switch can also cause this problem.

 

[bdunnam]

kool thanks for the info guys i will definatly experiment with all of this when i get out of school. I wouldnt think that its the hazard switch, since the passenger side light works but i could be wrong. But certainly going to run through every option.

 

[IOPort51]

wiring diagram and volt meter. check the bulb socket and then the connectors in the drivers side rear fender well then the rear harnes connector and then go to the switch.

 

[Rescue Diver]

Check your tail light sockets and grounds for corrosion. The tail lights just plug in and just about everyone has a spare assembly sitting around. Try plugging in a spare tail light in each side of the rear, one at a time, and see if the problem goes away. I can't imagine it being your turn signal switch, but you never know. Start with the simple things you can try like new bulbs in case one is burned and shorting internally, and if that doesn't fix it, like I said, borrow or buy a spare tail light and try it out.

 

[phyrph0enix]

My boat trailer is always having these types of problems, but of course it goes under water....

That's where I rescued my jeep from!

 

[hickmanm71]

I have an 84 CJ7 , and I am experiencing a similar problem... Turn signals don't work, but if I press my brake pedal just the turn signals come on. However, the twist that I haven't seen anyone else mention...while the pedal is depressed my amp gauge will drop and other electronics cut out, like the stereo. I am curious if the turn signal switch worked for the person who originally posted this thread....

 

[Rescue Diver]

I have an 84 CJ7 , and I am experiencing a similar problem... Turn signals don't work, but if I press my brake pedal just the turn signals come on. However, the twist that I haven't seen anyone else mention...while the pedal is depressed my amp gauge will drop and other electronics cut out, like the stereo. I am curious if the turn signal switch worked for the person who originally posted this thread....

Sounds like you have a short in the wires at the tail lights or in one of the sockets. Try unplugging one tail light pig tail at a time while pressing on the brake and see if it goes away.