The driver and passenger brake lights do not work

JD OWENS

MEMBER
2011 DODGE CARAVAN
4.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
103,000 MILES

The brake and tail lights are LED, and stock. The driver and passenger brake lights do not work, the middle brake light does work. The tail lights and blinkers work. I replaced the brake light switch above pedal, still doesn't work. I even bought the new full rear light assemblies and still the same exact problem. I can't locate a relay for them or a fuse specified to the brake lights, only rear blinkers and tail light fuses and they are good. There is no corrosion or any noticeable defects on any wires or connections to light assembly.

Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 6:35 PM

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
14,543 POSTS

There is no individual power fuses or relays for those lights they are fed directly from the Totally Integrated Power Module. It receives the stop signal from the switch on the same feed as the center brake light so as that works it isn't the switch. This is unfortunately a common issue with the TIPMs as Chrysler runs most of the electrics through the TIPM and individual items like this fail and result in needing to replace the entire module as a result because it is all built onto the circuit board inside it. In this case the only tests are to verify that the stop signal is getting to the TIPM, the outputs are two different wires so the likelihood that both failed is very slim, plus all of the lamps share common grounds so as the others work it won't be the ground. As such only the input could be an external failure and the chmsl works so that isn't likely.
Attached are the instructions to replace the TIPM, these only work with a new unit though. There are places that rebuild them for less than new but you would be better off looking for those in your area.

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