Brake lights not working, any ideas?

[mok4200]

I brought home a 98 ram last night, and was told my brakelights are out, the lights themselves will come on if i turn on my headlights as they should, and my turn signals work, just no brake lights to any of the 3 lights. I ordered a new brake light switch, but if this doesnt work, anyone have any other suggestions to look at? the fuse looks fine.

 

[gobblerman]

I to need expert info. My fuse in the engine bay is good and I have power to the switch. My brake lights function when I mess with the old switch. I have replaced the switch twice with an auto zone and advanced auto switch and neither has worked. I'm at a loss. I should mention there is a trailer brake controller installed and I can activate the brake lights if I actuate the controller. This is not a new controller and the system has worked fine. For the guy that started this thread I will say that 90% of the posts on this were corrected by replacing the fuse in the engine bay. If it is your switch I hope you have better luck than me. I'm wondering if I should try an OEM switch or could it be something else. Help!!!

 

[96DodgeRam4x4]

its the brake light switch, ive replaced mine a few times its very tedious. read directions when installing

 

[gobblerman]

Thanks for the reply. Don't know how I could have screwed it up twice. I followed the instructions to the letter. Both switches toggles were at 45 degrees, I placed the switch without touching the toggle, then without touching the brake, I placed the toggle in the straight position. What did I miss? Did you use an OEM switch? When you said you replaced a few. Did you have any that didn't work right out of the box?

 

[gobblerman]

Here's what I found. If I jumper at the connector that plugs into the switch the brake lights work. If I check the switch with pedal depressed I have continuity between the appropriate pins which should light the brake lights. So I plug the connector in and nothing. Then I half unplug connector and all works. Plug in firmly again nothing. Again leave plug ajar and all works. I'm guessing blades don't engage in connector properly, or loose wire in connector. Need new connector? Are blades to thin on switch? Should I wrap blades on switch to enhance the continuity with connector? Has anyone had to replace this connector?

 

[rowdyram]

Spread the female pins tighter or you can grab the male pins gently with needle nose pliers and twist them no more than 10°

 

[gobblerman]

Thanks for the ideas. I tried collapsing the female pins but didn't think to twist the males, that's a great idea and I may use it if I get more trouble. What I did was fatten the power pin with solder, not an easy task as I had to do it with the switch installed. Everything is working again for now. I'm guessing if I need a new connector I'll have to get it from a junk yard. Strange that a connector that sees little to no movement and is not exposed to weather would loose continuity. At least I didn't have to track down a bad ground.