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Brake lights not working?

Tiny
MAJESTIC24
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,500 MILES
2001 stratus se: I got my brake lights working recently but when I switched my tail lights on they stopped working. Ive been having problems with the brake lights a while sometimes they work sometimes they dont and I tested the power going to the switch and only getting 6 volts but like I said they get the full 12 sometimes and work correctly what could be wrong exactly? Ive checked all bulbs and fuses and the switch is new im pretty frustrated please help.
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Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 AT 3:16 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Check for ground issues. Also, check the power supply wire to the switch for damage. If you aren't getting 12 volts all of the time, the wire may be corroded at its connection or is partially broken internally.

This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-lights-not-working

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 AT 3:49 AM
Tiny
MCFADDEN CHRIS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 DODGE STRATUS
  • 205,000 MILES
Brake lights will not come on. But all tail of the lights work. Interior light will not come on either. Neither will the glove compartment lights. Is this a bad ground? Checked fuses and everything.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
If the center brake light also does not work, check for voltage at the brake light switch. Please list the engine size so I can look up the right wiring diagram. I used a 2.4L engine. Check for twelve volts on the red/black wire at the brake light switch. If it is missing, a fuse is blown. If it is there, check for voltage on the white/tan wire when the brake pedal is pressed.

This guide can help us

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-lights-not-working

Each circuit you listed has its own ground connection. A bad ground would only affect its own circuit, not multiple circuits.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MCFADDEN CHRIS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for the fast response. It is 2.4 four cylinder.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hey Chris,

It sounds like you have a BCM that is going out which is common in that car, here is a wiring diagram so you check do some fuse and wiring checks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JSRORE1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 15,000 MILES
With the tail lights on brake lights don't work. Tail lights off brakes work. Turn and back up work both ways. Center brake light works both ways also.
1998 dodge stratus
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
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Hi jsrore1. Welcome to the forum. If the lights are acting up on both sides, look for a loose or corroded ground wire where it attaches to the body. If only one side has a problem, start by looking at the ribbon wiring sheet on the back of the lamp housing. In particular, look for a copper circuit burned open where it becomes narrow and / or goes around a corner.

When only one side has a problem, you can verify a bad ground by unplugging the lamp housing on the other side of the car. If the symptoms change, it's because the alternate, (incorrect), ground path was removed by disconnecting the other housing.

Caradiodoc
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SEASONEDCRAB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I had this issue with my '97 Stratus. When the head lights were off the brake light worked fine, but when the head lights were on the brake light didn't work (on one side). Before doing anything else, I spent about $15 to replace the four bulbs and the issue was resolved. Upon closer inspection two of the four bulbs were damaged. So if you're here with the same problem I suggest you start by checking your bulbs for damage.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
VIXIEN66
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE STRATUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 17,400 MILES
My car had to have the rear light bulb replaced, they looked in the book and it was nothing like what they got into when they got to the car. It did'nt just pop out they pryed the back part off and broke off little strips of metal that were inside like conductors now my turning signal does'nt work either can they be sodiered into place again? How do you replace that bulb do you have to take all the back panel apart? Thank you for your help. L Giberson
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
To remove the bulbs, they should have twisted the knob, and not pried it off. I don't think you can solder the broken tips of the knob. Just get new knobs. They are plenty of Stratus/Breeze in the junkyard, if you don't want to pay $15 per knob at the dealership.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBO14
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 DODGE STRATUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
Brake Lights: When my head lights are OFF the rear brake lights work. When I turn my head lights are turned ON, the brake lights DO NOT WORK. Can you give me some advice? Thanks
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
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Faulty wiring. This is most likely caused by a weak or loose ground wire at the headlight or brake light switches. Brake light switch is located on brake pedal arm bracket.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SEASONEDCRAB
  • MEMBER
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I had this exact same issue with my own '97 Stratus. Before doing anything else, I spent about $15 to replace the four bulbs and the issue was resolved. Upon closer inspection two of the four bulbs were damaged. So if you have this issue I suggest you start by checking your bulbs for damage.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Excellent addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TRAVIS FRY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 1,500,000 MILES
Brake lights dont work and fuses seem good
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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Check brake switch on brake pedal.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TRAVIS FRY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Where is it located higher up in dash?
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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On brake pedal arm. Well actually on bracket that arm swings to, arm hits switch and activates brake lights.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)

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