82 XJ6.

I am becoming frustrated with trying to trace my lack of brake lights. SO what here is what I know:

1 - fuses good - verified via Ohm meter
2 - Bulbs good
3 - brake light switch good - pulled good switch off parts car - checked switch prior to pulling it
4 - sockets good

but.....no brake lights.

So I need ideas

Thanks

BOB

 

There's a brake lite failure unit in the trunk...mounted on the forward wall as I recall. Looks sorta like a cheap relay. It has white/slate, green/purple, and black/yellow wires.

Pull the green/purple wires off and jumper them together. If the brake lights now work, the BFU (Bulb Failure Unit) is on the fritz.

Keep track of the wires, though. One come from the switch and the other two go to the lights. If you end up replacing the BFU you'll need to get 'em back in the right place.

If the brakes lights STILL don't work have someone step on the brake while you check for voltage at the "B" terminal of the BFU. If no voltage you have a problem between the BFU and the brake light switch


Also...and don't be offended...are you sure you checked the brake light switch and not the cruise control release switch? People get 'em mixed up all the time. The brake light switch has a lever-arm actuator and a big capacitor across the terminals

Cheers
DD

 

No offense taken as no I didn't check the right one then. I do know the brake lights were working on the parts car so I will change it - after checking the relay in the trunk first.

Thanks for the tips

BOB

 

I have lights!!! It was indeed the brake light switch. Replaced the right one this time and have lights.

Thanks

BOB

 

Right on, brother !

Cheers
DD

 

If you're good with your fingers and clever and ambitious and thrifty and want to have a good spare switch you can open up the old one and salvage it. Usually it's just the contacts that need cleaning.

Same for the starter relay, windows switches, headlight relay, door jamb switches, and other odds-n-ends. A lot of that stuff can be rejuvenated for another 20+ years of service.

Cheers
DD

 

Speaking of power window switches - how do you remove the switches from the center console? Do they simply pull out or do you have to go inside the storage bin and release them from behind?

 

Remove the storage bin and release the switch from behind.

Cheers
DD

 

Is there an adjustment with the brake lights? Sometimes they seem to stick and I have to lift the pedal some to get them to go off?