Jeep Wrangler Third Brake Light Not Working (Fixed!)
It can be quite annoying when your Jeep Wrangler third brake light won’t come on and you can’t figure out the reason behind it. This light is crucial when it to road safety. Therefore, you will need to understand why it is behaving this way and resolve it as soon as possible.
Jeep Wrangler third brake light not working is usually caused by various factors such as a burned-out bulb, bad contacts, blown fuse, wiring issues, and third brake light switch malfunction.
In this article, we’ll shed more light on the potential causes behind this problem. We’ll also discuss what to do when faced with this problem so you can restore your brake light functionality and gain peace of mind.
Jeep Wrangler third brake light not working causes
Below, we will take a closer look at the most common reasons that contribute to your Jeep Wrangler’s third brake light not working.
Burned out bulb
If your third brake light is not working, the number one culprit to consider is a bad bulb. If the filament inside the bulb is broken or the bulb has a blackened appearance, then it is bad and requires a replacement.
Blown fuse
Another likely cause for the brake light to stop working is a bad fuse that controls the third brake light.
Locate the fuse labeled CHMSL in the fuse box located on driver’s side and check if it is blown. If yes, replace it with a new one.
Bad contacts
If you have already changed the bulb and the problem doesn’t go away, you may be dealing with bad contacts.
When you open the tailgate, on the hinge side, you’ll see 4 contacts. Two of them are on the two and the other two are on the inner wall.
These usually contact each other when you close the tailgate, creating a path for the signal to reach the third brake light when you push the brake pedal.
Unfortunately, these mounts can get dirty or corroded, disrupting electrical signal flow to the bulb. The contacts can become exposed to dirt, moisture, and rust over time, and become dirty and tarnished.
This can prevent the brake light bulb from making proper contact. Consequently, the light stops working.
This issue is especially common among older Wrangler models that are subjected to off-road and outdoor use.
Wiring issues
You may also want to check if the wiring leading to your third brake light looks okay.
If this wiring has suffered damages or corrosion or is simply poorly connected to the brake light switch or bulb, then it can also be the reason your stop light won’t come on.
Carefully inspect the wiring for any faults and repair/replace it as necessary.
Faulty brake light switch
If none of the above is behind the malfunctioning 3rd bake light issue, then it’s time to inspect your brake light switch.
This switch usually sits on your brake pedal. Whenever you press the brake pedal, it activates this switch, which then triggers the brake light to come on.
If this switch becomes faulty, it will not activate the brake light. This can also affect the other brake lights.
You can use a multimeter to check if your brake light switch is functioning correctly. If the switch is faulty, you just need to replace it with a new one.
How to fix Jeep Wrangler third brake light not working
If your Jeep Wrangler third brake light stops working, you can take a few steps as outlined below to try to find the culprit behind this problem and fix it on your own.
Step 1. Check whether the fuse for this brake light is blown and replace it with a new fuse featuring the same amperage rating.
This fuse is usually located in the fuse box under your dash, on the driver’s side. If you are not sure about the fuse location, you can consult your user manual.
Step 2. If the fuse looks okay, access the brake light bulb and check if it’s faulty. If the bulb is, replace it with a new one (more details on how to do the replacement coming up later in this post).
Step 3. Inspect your contacts and clean them if necessary. Test the contacts using a voltmeter. If you can’t get power, the contacts may be dirty or corroded and need some scuffing.
We recommend using sandpaper (100-grit will do) to sand the contact points until they become smooth.
Once you’re done, fire your Jeep and the light should start working again! You may consider applying a thin dielectric grease layer on the contact to prevent the reoccurrence of rust.
Sometimes the connectors tend to slide, so you may also try pulling them out slightly for better contact.
Step 4. If you’re still not getting power to the third brake light bulb, we advise you to trace the brake light wires and see where they’re damaged, cut, frayed, loose, etc.
Repair or replace any damaged or cut wire to promote undisturbed electrical power flow to the bulb.
Step 5. If you haven’t found the culprit, inspect your brake light switch. Test the switch for continuity using a multimeter. If the switch is faulty, replace it with a new one on your own.
If you have exhausted all the steps and still haven’t fixed the underlying issue, then you may want to consult a professional mechanic specializing in Jeeps for a more in-depth diagnosis of your car.
Jeep Wrangler third brake light fuse location
If you can’t find fuse for third brake light on Jeep Wrangler, this is your part. The third brake light fuse for Jeep Wrangler is usually located in the fuse box. The fuse box is then located under your car hood.
Generally, the fuse is labeled “M1” on the fuse box cover or wiring diagrams for easy identification. The fuse is usually blue in color in most Jeep Wrangler model years.
You can consult your owner’s manual for more details on the location and identification of your third brake light circuit. Moreover, you can consult your mechanic or dealership for this particular fuse location.
Note that after finding the fuse, you can confirm if it is blown by checking the wire inside it. If it looks broken or melted, that’s a surefire sign that it is blown and needs a replacement.
Still at it, if you replace the fuse with a new one that has the correct amperage and it gets blown again shortly, then you may have a serious issue with your Jeep electrical system.
In this case, you should have a certified mechanic look at your car to uncover the underlying issue.
How do you change a third brake light on a Jeep Wrangler?
If your 3rd brake light bulb is blown, then you have no other option but to replace it.
Luckily, Jeep Wrangler third brake light replacement process is straightforward and you can do it on your with the right tools at hand.
Tools you’ll need:
- Replacement bulb (921 or 922 size bulb)
- Flathead screwdriver
- T20 Torx driver
Directions:
Step 1. Locate the 3rd brake light: in most Jeep wranglers, the third brake light is located on top of the spare tire at the rear of the vehicle.
Step 2. Remove the screws: The brake light assembly is usually secured using screws or bolts, depending on the model year. Use the appropriate tool to unscrew the assembly. Put the screw somewhere safe.
Step 3. Now disconnect the wiring harness that connects the electrical system to the brake light. This can be as simple as twist-and-pull the harness or unplugging the connector, depending on your car model.
Step 4. Remove the old bulb: Pull the blown bulb out and set it aside. However, if you’re removing the entire assembly, just lift it off the mounting surface.
Step 5. Install the new bulb: install the new bulb in the socket and ensure it securely sits in place. In case you’re installing a new brake light assembly, align it with mounting holes and then press it into place firmly.
Step 6. Reconnect the wiring harness back into its position and use the mechanism, provided to lock it in place.
Step 7. Align the assembly to mounting holes, insert the screws, and then tighten them until the assembly is secured in place. Avoid overtightening the screws as the housing can easily crack.
That’s how you replace the old third brake light bulb. When done, go inside your car and press the brake pedal while someone stands at the rear to verify that the light is functioning correctly.
Note that the replacement guidelines may vary for models whose third brake light is mounted within the spare tire. Such models include Jeep Wrangler JK 2007 to present.
Check the video below for more info on how to replace the brake light on a Jeep Wrangler:
Video:
Is the third brake light necessary in Jeep Wrangler?
Yes, the third brake light is necessary for Jeep Wrangler. It acts as an additional safety feature that alerts the drivers behind you when you intend to slow down or come to a stop. This helps enhance your safety and minimize the chances of getting rear-ended.
If you drive your Jeep Wrangler with the brake light out, you’ll likely get a ticket or even a repair order from a cop.
Moreover, if you reside in a state where this brake light is a legal requirement, and inspections are done recurrently, your Jeep is sure to fail the inspections just for lack of a working third brake light.
That said, you should avoid moving around with this center mount high stop light not working.
Make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible. This will ensure you comply with the traffic regulations as well as enhances your safety on the road and reduce the possibility of accidents.
If you’re experiencing issues with your Jeep Wrangler’s third brake light not working, it’s essential to address the problem promptly. In addition to the third brake light, if you’re also encountering problems with your brake lights not working but the third light is still functional, you may find our article on brake lights not working but third light is helpful. Furthermore, for a comprehensive understanding of the possible causes and solutions related to third brake light issues, we recommend reading our article on third brake light not working.Conclusion
The third brake light not working on your Jeep Wrangler can be a challenging situation if you have no ideas where to look and how to deal with it. This article has just discussed all the most likely culprits behind this issue. These include a blown fuse, bad bulb, bad contacts, wiring issues, or a brake light switch problem.
3rd brake light is a crucial safety and even a legal requirement in most states. Therefore, we advise you to fix it as soon as possible. By following our troubleshooting tips above, you should be able to diagnose and fix the underlying issue making your brake light malfunction. Where necessary, consult your mechanic for professional assistance.
