Brake/Hazards/Signal Light Prob. Please help.

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MrNeedles

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Hey guys,

I just registered a minute ago and I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I just bought a 1997 Jimmy a couple weeks ago. I'm in college and needed a decent winter SUV, and thought this would be a good fit.

This is my problem: Today I noticed my brake lights were not working. The top LED bar works and is responds when I press the brakes. The front lights and signals work. When the headlights are on, the brake lights will light up but are unresponsive when I press the brake pedal. I cannot get the signals in the rear to work at all.

What I have tried: I checked the fuses (some looked like the contacts were a little burnt, but still good). Checked all bulbs. Tried the jiggle test with the hazard switch and signal switch.

I've read it could be a faulty multifunction switch, but it seems that people who have that problem can get the signals to work in the read and I can't.

Can anyone help me? I really need this thing to get around campus, so any fast response would be appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time.
 
Please clarify as it mite help - When you " checked " the bulbs , was that visually
or did you replace them with ones you knew worked ?

And - Did you try the hazard lights ? What was the result ?

Also -While your at it , don't forget to check the license plate light .
 
I checked them visually and I know they work because when I turn the headlights on, the brake running lights turn on as they should. But they still do not brighten up when i apply the brakes.

The liscense plate light works too.

In short, I cannot signal, brake, or use hazards with the rear lights. But the top led lights work fine.
 
Well for starter there a duel filament bulb. (google it) the running lights can work but not the brake lights becaues it's another part of the bulb. Change the bulbs and retest. let us know.
 
MrNeedles said:
Hey guys,

I just registered a minute ago and I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I just bought a 1997 Jimmy a couple weeks ago. I'm in college and needed a decent winter SUV, and thought this would be a good fit.

This is my problem: Today I noticed my brake lights were not working. The top LED bar works and is responds when I press the brakes. The front lights and signals work. When the headlights are on, the brake lights will light up but are unresponsive when I press the brake pedal. I cannot get the signals in the rear to work at all.

What I have tried: I checked the fuses (some looked like the contacts were a little burnt, but still good). Checked all bulbs. Tried the jiggle test with the hazard switch and signal switch.

I've read it could be a faulty multifunction switch, but it seems that people who have that problem can get the signals to work in the read and I can't.

Can anyone help me? I really need this thing to get around campus, so any fast response would be appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time.
Click to expand...

The Jimmy has that multifunction switch that controls the brake lights, wipers, turn signals, there is a connector on that hazard light switch that when pushed or put in it's original place, makes contact on 2 of the lines inside it.

The taillights work, hazards work, turn signals worked, but the two main brake lights didn't, the high mounted center l.e.d. brake light up top worked and my trailer hitch brake light worked but the other 2 didn't when the hazard switch is in the up position.

Try the "WD40" trick on the Hazard Switch. Use a can with the red straw nozzle and just shoot a little into the area around your hazard switch, then move it up and down, on/off--just generally wiggle it a little bit. On many vehicles (especially FORDS, but others as well) this will allow the switch to fully disengage and return brake lights and turn signals to functionality. At worst, your going to have to replace the switch and it takes less then 2 min to replace with a pair of pliers.

Good luck and keep us posted.;)

Molson02536
 
So, I just got done ripping out the dash and replacing the multifunction switch.

Not too bad of a job, but guess what? It didn't fix my problem. With the new switch in place, the same exact thing is happening.

Any suggestions.
 
Expert Mechanic Help

I'm not an expert but my friend is a genius when it comes to anything automotive. He's got a shop in Bellmore, NY or Long Island area if that's near you but he's also a really great guy that would answer any questions and help. He's the guy other mechanics go to when they can't fix a problem. His website is http://andresauto.net
 
I have this problem too on my 2000 Jimmy 2 door 2wd. I have replaced the brake switch 4 times now. Each time of replacement, the brake lights work fine for a few days them they quit working. However, if you push the brake petal further down, the brake lights WILL work. I had a mechanic make an adjustment down at the pedal (don't see what there is to adjust???). At this time, they worked for about a week. Changed the switch, all fine for a few days then nothing UNTIL I push the pedal down further. Only top light works 100% of the time, because on a separate circuit. Hazards work, turn signals work, license plate lights work, and running lights all work fine. Just the 2 side brake lights, will only work if you depress the pedal down far. I even switched brands of brake switches to no avail. I have also tried giggling the hazzard switch, didn't work. Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Mr. Needles, I just solved my problem! Check your female connector that goes to your brake light switch attached to the pedal. Mine was partially fried. Switched this pigtail out, and now I have lights. I chased this problem for 2 months. I did end up replacing my multifunction switch too, but didn't work. It was that darn female connector!
 
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