All my brake lights do not work

Tiny
JQWILD
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE RAM
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,000 MILES
I saw a thread already about peoples brakes light not working. I have the truck listed above 2500 5.7 HEMI. All my brake lights do not work. The only fuse that was blown was for the center high mount brake light and I changed the brake switch and still does not work. I changed the fuse on the chmls and then changed the brake switch and now the fuse is blown again for the high mount. The 50amp fuse for the tail lights are still good. I'm guessing the high mount light has something to do with the brake lights not working. I have worked on cars my whole adult life but still not that great when it comes to the electrical to troubleshoot. I have tried to figure out which wire is for the brakes on the tail lights and when the brake is pressed I get.003 volts really small voltage. All the turn signals, running lights and flashers work. I am at a loss.
Friday, September 10th, 2021 AT 4:31 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The fuse I circled in the diagram I attached is what controls both the brake lights and center light.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If you had brake lights after replacing the switch and then the fuse failed and the third light still did not work, then chances are you have a short in the harness from the brake light switch to the center mount light.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Roy
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Friday, September 10th, 2021 AT 5:39 AM
Tiny
JQWILD
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No, the lights still never worked even after changing the switch but blew the fuse for just the chmls. Now also I cannot put into gear unless I unhook the brake switch then I can put into hear.
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Friday, September 10th, 2021 AT 6:51 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Did you verify power to the switch itself? Test it with a volt meter.

Roy
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Friday, September 10th, 2021 AT 10:14 AM
Tiny
JQWILD
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes, I sure did.
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Friday, September 10th, 2021 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Is there power to the third light socket?

If there is not then you have a wiring issue between the switch and the third light.

Roy
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Friday, September 10th, 2021 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
JQWILD
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I will check that out. Thanks.
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Friday, September 10th, 2021 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Let us know if have any other questions.

Roy
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Saturday, September 11th, 2021 AT 1:54 PM

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