02 GC Tail/Brake Light Wiring / Electrical Issue

[dingus]

Hey all,

Hopefully this is an easy one:
When I have my tail lights turned on (parking or low beams) - and step on the brake - my left rear taillight goes out (tail AND brake light), but the turn signal still works. I just replaced the bulb (dual filament) thinking that it would fix my problem, but to no avail. Has this happened to anyone else?

-Nate

 

[dingus]

Just a follow up - I picked her up from the shop, working fine now. The "circuit board" in the tail light itself went bad...

Apparently these things have a wiring harness that plugs into the taillight assembly, and there is an internal circuit that distributes power from the housing to each bulb.

Further, this is common enough of an issue that the parts supplier keeps an inventory of GC tail lights on hand...

-Nate

 

[TerryMason]

It sounds like you fixed your problem, but I just happened across this on another board, and thought I'd post it here for reference:


This is the corrective method for your brake lights not working when your headlights are on(2000 Jeep Cherokee Larado).
1) The cause of the problem is heat from the bulb.
2) Remove the light assembly as if you were going to change a bulb.
3) Turn the socket and remove it from the taillight assembly and set it aside(check to be sure your bulb is not burnt out).
4) Look at the opening, you will see 3 flat chrome colored contacts on the assembly.
5) Notice the one by it self at the top of the opening, that is the “ground”.
6) If you look closely you will notice the plastic around the ground contact has shrunk a little bit, this caused the contact to pull away from the socket, causing the problem.
7) With a small flat head screwdriver, VERY GENTLY pry up the contact so it stays slightly upward by itself.
8) Re-insert the bulb assembly back into the housing and press your brake petal with your lights on.
9) You should be in good to go!
10) Tools: Phillips head screwdriver and a small flat head screwdriver.
11) Time : 5 minutes per light

 

[dingus]

I can't believe I spent $120 for a new tail light!!!!!

 

[jeeps for pimps]

your tail light is almost double the price of my jeep tail lights man. you know how much I purchased mine? I have spend only $80 on it, I purchased it online.