Driver's side only brake light problem

[dfrome66]

Hi - new to the forum. I searched for any info on this problem but didn't find anything specifically addressing the problem I'm having.

I have a 91 Navajo that has an intermittent brake light problem. It is only the drivers side rear brake light that doesn't work. I've done all the simple fixes - new lamp (2 or 3 times), checked socket and wiring up to the connector behind the rear interior panel. I've also checked the ground and get good continuity. Anyone else had this problem before?

Thanks!
Delain

 

[Roadrunner777]

I get this when I use bulbs with the glass base. I have better luck with the ones where the bottom of the bulb is a plastic block. Sylvania does this, I think.

 

[arco777]

I have that problem intermittently on my 94 2-door. Tried lots of different bulbs, and checked continuity all the way to the right rear speaker area. It is usually the passenger's side that doesn't light up, but I think once or twice the gremlin has switched sides. I'm stumped, guessing it's a short or loose connection from a chafed wire. Would love to find out what it is.

BTW, welcome to the forum!

 

[dfrome66]

I'm going to look at it more this week. I hear it may be related to a connector in the steering column. I'll let you know what I find (hopefully)...

 

[TedJ]

All the brake light wiring goes through the multifunction switch, and each side is seperate. Wiggle the lever around and see if the problem goes away (or can be replicated).

Real basically, there is only one filament for stop/turn, when you turn the blinker on it breaks the connection to the bulb from the brake light circuit and connects it to the blinker circuit. When the switch gets worn they get sloppy around the center position and sometimes do not make the connection to the brake light circuit reliably.

 

[arco777]

CONFIRMED! It's the turn signal/multifunction switch in my case. Thanks TedJ!

I tested by backing up to a white wall and applied the brakes, then wiggled the turn signal slightly. It is loose around the center point so if the stalk is angled just a little up or down, that side brake light won't operate even though the turn signal circuit is not activated.

Looks like a new one ranges from $50-100 depending on which site I buy it from.

 

[dfrome66]

I checked out the multi function switch as well (interesting name for the turn signal switch / lever). I didn't see all the posts but already had an idea this may be the problem. I took apart the switch and cleaned it. This helped but it is still a little loose so the problem may come back - if it does then it's time for a new switch!