2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Logo
Posted on Jul 07, 2009
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Brake lights do not work All bulbs have been replaced.

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Jul 07, 2009
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I had a similar problem with my driver side break light. Replaced the bulb 3 times. Then I took some fine sand paper and lightly sanded the metal contacts on the bulb socket. I also bent them forward just a little bit. These are the little posts that come in contact with the tailight assembly when you turn the bulb socket back into place. The light works perfectly now. Sorry for not using technical terms for things.

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  • Posted on Jul 07, 2009
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Check the fuse, and test the brake switch on the brake pedal

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venugopal durairajan

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Troubleshooting Procedures - Read Completely Before Beginning
(American Car) All Brake Lights Not Working

  • Check System Fuse: A fuse is used to protect the brake light circuit from amperage overload. If the fuse has failed it will not allow the electrical current to continue to the brake lights. To check the fuse, first locate the brake light system fuse in the fuse panel which is either under the dash or under the hood in the power distribution center. Connect the test light to a ground like an engine or dash bracket and turn the ignition key to the "on" position. Using the test light probe both sides of the fuse. If the test light illuminates on both sides the fuse is ok continue onto the next step. If one side of the fuse illuminates the fuse has failed and needs to be replaced. If the fuse fails as soon as it is replaced or when you apply the brake pedal the brake light electrical circuit is shorted to ground. Rarely a system short can occur, a car repair manual is needed to find the wiring schematic for the brake light circuit. Once the brake light wiring has been located inspect and repair as needed.
  • Check Brake Light Bulbs: All cars have three brake light bulbs that create the brake light illumination affect. If all of these brake light bulbs fail no brake light operation will occur. I know what you're thinking, you might say all three brake lights at once? But in reality one brake light went out at a time and you did not notice. People only tend to notice something when they almost run into the back of your car to help persuade them to inform you the brake lights aren't working. Remove any of the brake light bulbs to confirm the bulb is ok or burned. After the bulb has been removed inspect the filament and replace if failed. If the brake light bulbs are ok continue to the next step.
  • Checking the Brake Light Switch: A control switch is used to connect the brake light electrical circuit. This switch is located near the brake pedal lever. Basic switches have just two wires, power in and power out to the turn signal switch. Use a test light that is grounded and with the key in the "on" position test for power at one side (wire) of the switch, then press the brake pedal while testing the opposite side (wire). It should illuminate the test light, if electrical power is connected through the switch go to the next step. If no power is detected through the switch the brake light switch has failed and replacement is required. If your car is equipped with more than two wires integrated into the brake light switch a car repair manual is needed to locate the proper brake light circuit wiring.

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tip

Brake Lights Dull or Flickering - All Cars


Dull or Dim Brake Light Repair: If your car has a dull or dim brake light it is dangerous to you and other drivers. A dim brake light is a mystery to most people because the bulb is working, just not correctly. First confirm a new and correct brake light bulb has been installed. Next, turn the ignition key to the "on" position and have a helper depress the brake pedal. With the bulb installed touch a grounded test light to the outer bulb holder ring. If the bulb brightness changes the bulb socket ground has high resistance and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Flickering Brake Light Bulb Repair: A flickering brake light bulb can be very distracting and annoying. A brake light flickers because the power or ground is being obstructed momentarily. The most common cause for this condition is a loose fitting bulb socket. To check for this condition remove the brake light bulb in question, while a helper hold their foot on the brake pedal move the bulb around slightly in the socket. If the bulb flickers replace or repair the bulb socket as needed to regain proper brake light bulb operation. If the brake light bulb socket tests ok wiggle the brake light fuse and wiring at the brake light bulb socket, brake light switch and turn signal switch (American cars). If the brake light bulb flickers repair the component or wiring as needed.
Preferred Procedure: Always replace brake light bulbs with manufacturers recommend replacement bulbs. If you cannot find the correct replacement bulb part number consult an auto parts store for additional manufacturer information.
Common Problems
When brake light bulbs are replaced with the incorrect bulb causing no or dim brake light operation
If the brake lights stay on continuously it could mean the brake light switch has failed or an adjustment is needed.
tip

One Brake Light Not Working

Inspect Brake Light Bulb: The number one reason for a brake light operation failure is a failed brake light bulb. To check this condition access the bulb by removing the rear cover located in the trunk or rear compartment. Some cars allow you to remove the entire brake light lens to retrieve the brake light bulb. Once the bulb has been removed inspect the bulb filament. If it looks broken or if the bulb is smoked the bulb needs to be replaced. If you have replaced the bulb but it still doesn't work remove the bulb. With the key in the "on" position have someone hold their foot on the brake pedal and use a grounded test light to carful test the terminals inside the light socket. One of the terminals should illuminate the test light. (Note: Do not touch the outer metal ring that holds the bulb in place for it is grounded and can blow the system fuse if connected to the inner terminals.) If the test light illuminates reinstall the brake light bulb. While the brake pedal is depressed test the outer metal ring that holds the bulb, if power is present the ground lead from the light socket is bad. If the outer ring does not illuminate the bulb has failed and replacement is required.

Scan BCM for Trouble Codes: Some cars are equipped with a body control module or BCM this onboard computer controls and lighting signals and can malfunction not allowing the electrical current to continue to the brake light circuits. This condition is rare but it can happen. If you have performed all of the tests above and all results are positive scan the BCM for trouble codes if no codes are present try replacing the BCM.
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I recently replaced the front rotors, brake pads and master cylinder in my 2003 Durango. I've since discovered that the brake lights are not working, including the 3rd brake light in the tailgate. I...

Hello, Well there is not much more it could be unless you have a shorted wire or a burned fuse. I would normally think that the turn signal canceler was bad but the 3rd brake light will still work if that is bad so I would check all fuses and for bare or shorted wires.
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My brake lights will not function on my 2000 grand caravan.All of the bulbs are new my rear lights work my reverse lights work but my brake lights will not

The bulbs could still be the problem since they are double filament bulbs.If your high brake light work but not the low ones the replace the bulbs.If none in the rear work then you may need a brake light switch(on the brake pedal linkage).If this is not the case the check for power to the brake light side of the bulb and repair the broken brake light wire.
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2000 Cherokee: brake lights out but bulb still works. fue ?...

replace bulb using twin element bulb if still no joy then check for power at bulb if ok then replace brake light switch located at brake pedal
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The brake lights on my 1999 saturn sl do not work. The bar on the rear window functions. The bulbs and fuse is ok--what is the problem

does the third brake light work when braking ? the bar on the rear window? if not replace brake light switch on brake pedel
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Brake lights will not come on. It is not the bulb. The tail lights work.

The tail lights working would not necessarily mean that the brake light bulbs are good. If they are the type that have a double filament (ie: one filament for the tail light and another filament for the brake light ) the brake light filament could be bad and the tail lights still would work. If they are either single filament type bulbs or double filament type, I would check the bulb, fuses, and contact switch on the brake pedal.
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Brake lights

do you have a 3rd brake light like on that is on the roof or in the rear window? if so does it work?
the brake lights are usually a 2way bulb so just because the lights work doesn't mean that brake lights will. if the 3rd brake light works replace the brake light bulbs if none of them work including your 3 brake light. check into having your brake switch changed. that is the switch under the brake pedal. when it is pressed the brake lights come on and when released they go off. if the bulbs do not fix the problem than try the switch.
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