Just lost both brakelights... any suggestion on what to check first?

[Manhattan]

I haven't done anything that would cause this e.g. any electrical work, etc. I discovered this weekend that both brakelights are not coming on.

Both turn signals work. The hazzards work.

Should I start with the pedal switch? It's hard to believe that both bulbs would go at the same time... but aren't they the same ones as the flashers and turnsignals... or are they the ones at the bottom of the lens?

Funny thing - it's hard to check brakelights during the day by one's self. No matter how fast I press the pedal and run around the back of the Jeep, I can't get there in time to determine if the lights came on. ;)

Any ideas? thank...

[rangerkh]

I would look at the switch on the pedal and see if the wires are intact, or if the switch came loose. I would get a broom handle or short board to wedge the pedal down to check the brake lights.

[jeepstruck]

Did that on my J-10 a couple of times. It was just the fuse. Check that first.

[Sitting Bull]

Mark,

I thought the hazards were tied into the same fuse as the brakelights, so it doesn't sound like that (but hey, it's a quick check :D )

The switch under the pedal is held in by friction only, so after you've used the pedal alot, it can get pushed down to far and not actuate when the pedal gets compressed.

Speaking of brakes - how'd the bleed go? They nice and tight?

[shredby4]

As I remember the bulbs have 2 filaments in each. So it's like 2 bulbs in one... But I have the same doubt about both going at the same time. Check the switch and fuses first...Never hurts to get some contact cleaner and go to it on the sockets, the bases of the bulbs, and any easily accessed connectors.

And use that dielectric grease when you put it back together...trust me, it works! ;)

[jode]

I would try new bulbs first...seems like sometimes if one goes out, it takes the other with it...plus, like said, on my 76, there are 2 filaments. Why not start your troubleshooting with the easiest thing....the lightbulbs.

[78 WIDETRAC]

that happened to my cherokee and asuming the worst I checked every thing else first (brake light switch etc) and it ended up being a simple fuse.

[Manhattan]

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

Originally posted by jode:
I would try new bulbs first...seems like sometimes if one goes out, it takes the other with it...plus, like said, on my 76, there are 2 filaments. Why not start your troubleshooting with the easiest thing....the lightbulbs.That was it. I checked the fuse - Brad you're correct; the fuse controlls those lights, so that couldn't be it. I checked the switch - looked fine, making good contact, plunger moving freely, etc.

So, i checked the bulbs - both shot! So, I swapped the turnsignal bulbs 'till I can stop at a parts store today.

I should delete this post... it'd be kind of embarassing for someone to look in on us and see us wrestling with a burnt bulb problem ;)

Thanks!

[Sitting Bull]

Originally posted by Manhattan:
[QUOTE]

I should delete this post... it'd be kind of embarassing for someone to look in on us and see us wrestling with a burnt bulb problem ;)

Thanks!-------------

What do you think this is, the Toyota list??? :D

[Manhattan]

Brad, by the way...

Originally posted by Sitting Bull:
Speaking of brakes - how'd the bleed go? They nice and tight?They're working well. The pedal is significantly stiffer than before. It's funny, when I get in Bushwood after driving my Expedition, the first press of the pedal is always too hard. Kinda backwards huh...

[jode]

Originally posted by Sitting Bull:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Manhattan:


I should delete this post... it'd be kind of embarassing for someone to look in on us and see us wrestling with a burnt bulb problem ;)

Thanks!-------------

What do you think this is, the Toyota list??? :D </font>tongue.gif LOL tongue.gif

[Texas wagoneer]

I had the same problem with my 81 wagoneer today I crawled unders the dash and check all the fuses and check the switch on the pedal and after messing with all that it started to work I think it was the switch on the pedal...after giving it a push and janke it worked just fine.

[Texas wagoneer]

I had the same problem with my 81 wagoneer today I crawled unders the dash and check all the fuses and check the switch on the pedal and after messing with all that it started to work I think it was the switch on the pedal...after giving it a push and janke it worked just fine. The bulbs are bouble ...both break and gen lights are contaned in the same bulb...I dought that the bulbs are the problem.