Brake lights

[bigworm78]

I have a 2009 dodge ram and my brake lights quit working. I have changed all lights , brake switch and column switch. Ive checked plugs and wires and can't find anything wrong. Test light shows no power when I hit the brakes on the tail lights wiring harness. Please help

 

[tron67j]

Do you have back up lights and blinkers working? Check relay, looks like item 27 in box? Did you check if there is power into the switch for the lights and test the switch for continuity when pressing switch button to open and close? If yes, and if no power to switch from fuse problem is between fues and switch.

Does your third brake light work?

 

[bigworm78]

The 3rd brake lights work but I dont have anything to the rear brake lights plug with test light while applying brake. Running lights and blinkers work fine

 

[diymirage]

Check for broken or missing ground straps

 

[RamDiver]

The 3rd brake lights work but I dont have anything to the rear brake lights plug with test light while applying brake. Running lights and blinkers work fine

You can check the common grounds nearby the taillights. Given the age of your truck, they may require to be cleaned up, and reattached.

When you tested for voltage at the bulbs, what did you use for a ground reference?

.

 

[bigworm78]

All I used was test light to see if I had power. I dont have a voltage meter

 

[RamDiver]

All I used was test light to see if I had power. I dont have a voltage meter

Regardless of how you tested, a ground reference would be required.

You either tested the positive and ground at the connector or positive at the connector and ground on the chassis.

If you were to measure using both methods, and find a positive potential only while using the chassis ground, that would prove the ground wired to the bulbs are the problem.

I would urge you to buy an inexpensive digital multimeter from Walmart or HarbourFreight. You can likely find something for about $10.

You will find endless uses for it besides your truck.

.

 

[bigworm78]

Would you explain how to use it and what I need to do

 

[mymopar57]

I'm having the same problem can someone help
I have a 2009 dodge ram and my brake lights quit working. I have changed all lights , brake switch and column switch. Ive checked plugs and wires and can't find anything wrong. Test light shows no power when I hit the brakes on the tail lights wiring harness. Please help

 

[04fxdwgi]

I'm having the same problem can someone help
I have a 2009 dodge ram and my brake lights quit working. I have changed all lights , brake switch and column switch. Ive checked plugs and wires and can't find anything wrong. Test light shows no power when I hit the brakes on the tail lights wiring harness. Please help

Don't see where you checked the fuse. May have a problem with the TIPM (fuse box) as it contains a circuit board and relays (under the fuse panel) that control the power loads. They have been known to go south.

There a bunch of youtube videos showing TIPM troubleshooting.

 

[markabby]

are you guys testing for power at the fuse?

and, i'll ask the dumb question: are you testing the correct wire at the brake light harness?

AI:

For a 2009 Ram 1500, the brake light circuits typically use white with a green stripe or green with a red stripe for the right side, and yellow with a white stripe for the left,

 

[mymopar57]

Yes I do have power to the fuse is good but I'm getting nothing at the bulb I checked with a test light nothing... could it be a broken wire maybe?