2001 Jeep Cherokee Tail light problem

Tiny
SUZYU
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
My 2001 Grand Cherokee has a problem with the right rear tail light and brake light unit.

When circuit tested the circuits are clear and active. When the brake is applied the brake light works.

When he headlights are on the tail lights work.

When the headlights are on and the tail lights are on, if the brake is applied, all of the lights in the right tail light / brake light assembly go out. Only the left tail light assembly works when both tail light and brake light are on at the same time.

Why does applying the brakes turn out all of the right rear lights?

My mechanic says I am not the only client he has with this problem and he has no idea why we lose our lights. I received a $202 ticket because my inspection expired because no one can figure out the light problem.

Your answer could get my vehicle past inspection and save me the fine.

Thanks,
Sue Upshaw
Sunday, May 18th, 2008 AT 5:39 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
I have a few ideas that you can run past your mechanic see if any of them catches his eye. I have never heard of this problem either.

First check to make sure all grounds are good, next make sure you have the proper bulbs in, with the wrong bulbs the lights wont work properly.

With lights on and brakes pushed does the right turn signals flash front and back? How about the left? Hazards?

Get back to me.
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Sunday, May 18th, 2008 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
OATS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have the same exact problem with my 1998 Chevrolet Express.
Was there ever a solution?

I checked all of the bulbs to make sure that they are correct. My next step is to check the voltage at the socket.
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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 8:40 PM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
I have done a bit of researching on this problem and have found lots of this can be caused by a bad turn signal switch or a faulty brake switch for the easiest to replace.
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Thursday, June 26th, 2008 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
OATS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I took the tape off of the socket that holds the dual filament bulb and found that the ground wire came out, i.E, it was burned (possibly got wet) and became loose.
I forced the wire connector back into the socket, re-taped it all up to hold the wire in, and now everything works fine.
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Thursday, June 26th, 2008 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Glad to hear it was a quick fix for you!

Thanks for the input on what you did to fix it
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Thursday, June 26th, 2008 AT 10:35 PM

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