Doing a frame up restore on my 1987 YJ. Got almost everything done, now getting to wiring the lights. I am using the original/stock harness. I have tail lights, left and right turn lights on the rear, and the left brake light works when the brake is pressed. The right rear brake light is not working (but turn lamp does). I followed the wire with test light to the harness plug by the parking brake. I am not getting power to the right brake pin at the plug when brake is pressed, but get flash when turn signal is activated at the pin. Anyone have a similar issue or an idea where the wire from the brake switch joins the turn lamp wire? I am thinking this is where my problem is.
87 YJ No Power To Right Rear Brake Light At Plug
- Thread starter chubbs071
- Start date
A few ideas / suggestions:
Check the Brake Light Switch: Start at the brake light switch itself. Make sure that the switch is getting power when the brake pedal is pressed. If it is, check the wiring that leads from the switch to the rear harness connector.
Inspect Connections: Since you're doing a frame-off restoration, it's possible there could be a loose connection or a short somewhere. Verify that all connectors are clean and tightly connected, especially at the harness junction.
Continuity Test: Using a multimeter, do a continuity test on the wire going from the brake light switch to the right tail light plug. This will help you identify if there’s a break or short along that wire.
Look for Ground Issues: Sometimes, a ground issue can cause irregular behavior. Ensure that the ground connection for your right rear light is secure and free from corrosion.
Check the Junction and Wiring Diagrams: If you can find a wiring diagram, it may help you identify exactly where the brake light and turn signal circuits intersect. This could help locate any potential splices or connectors that might be failing.
If after all this you still can't find the issue, consider running a new wire from the brake switch directly to your right brake light socket as a temporary fix. It could help you determine if the fault lies in the original harness or not.
Good luck, and keep us updated on what you find!
Bad turn signal switch. You know the brake switch works since the left brake light comes on. You know the right turn signal/brake circuit works because the right turn signal works. The brake signal runs through the turn signal switch for left and right brakes so that it can interrupt either for hazards or turns. Something in the switch is hindering the right side brake from working.
Thank you for this. I will do a continuity test next time I get a chance to work on it.
Thats disheartening! I completely rebuilt the steering column to include the turn signal switch. I will double check the plugs and trace brake wire into the steering column connections.
There is one single wire going from the turn signal switch to the brake lamp and carries both brake and turn signal functions. If the turn signal works, then we know that wire is not broken.
Got it figured out! THANK YOU for the info about the brake light feeding into the steering column. That was the issue. During the build, I went through the loom and ridded the Jeep of all of the unnecessary emissions/ECM. In doing so, I cleaned up the connections that I was keeping and had the brake/turn plugged into the wrong slot on the main connector to the steering column.
I will post a thread when the project gets closer to being completed, but here's how she sets right now!
