Electrical issue on brake light

Early B.

Does anyone know how to troubleshoot a brake light on a Jeep Grand Cherokee? The bulbs are rapidly blowing out. Is this a simple fix? I'd prefer to try and fix it myself (if possible) before I get screwed by a mechanic who overcharges me for the labor.

Thanks.

Ricardo

I would look at the crossover or the polyswitch.

strider

Are you losing the same bulb each time, or just the lower 2, or a combination of all 3 (assuming it's got a third brake light)?

edbert

Have you looked to see if it is giving you any error codes? Go HERE if you have a WJ(I think I remember that being the case). Great website overall and I will poke around and see if there is anything on there about blowing lights. I feel your pain about vehicle wiring and light issues since I am dealing with the same thing on my in-laws jeep, just a different type of issue.

Early B.

strider wrote: »

Are you losing the same bulb each time, or just the lower 2, or a combination of all 3 (assuming it's got a third brake light)?

Yes, it's the same electrical connection each time -- it's a single bulb on top.

MikeC78

Have any moisture getting in the lens assembly?

exalted512

The easy fix is to, with a test light, find out what wire is positive and what wire is negative. Then cut the wires going from the bulb, grounding the negative side to the metal behind the light (small screw and a ring terminal to accomplish this), then run a wire from the positive to the brake light's positive on the other side of the truck. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to go to your local auto parts store and get a new socket (the thing the bulb goes into) to replace the existing one.

This will only work if your brake lights are independent of your turn signals though.
-Cody

edbert

After doing a little perusing around the net, I have something for you to try. Some people have apparently had the same problem as you when the socket of their brake light either has corrosion, is dirty, paint overspray, etc. You may try using a little deoxit in the socket(and even on the bulb itself if it is still good). Hopefully it is just that easy. I'll keep poking around to see if I find any other ideas.

Early B.

Thanks, fellas. I'll try your suggestions and let you know.

Early B.

UPDATE: I ordered a new light socket off ebay. The old one is burned out.