Brake light not working/Doesn't need replacement

170

Asked by rtfranciss Apr 10, 2016 at 07:27 PM about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Driver side brake light isn't working. First thing I did was replace it, but still
having same problem. Driver side turn signal and reverse light are both
working. From what I've read it sounds like if it was a bad fuse none of the
driver side tail lights would be working. If it's a problem with the brake light
switch, would the passenger side still be working? I'm trying to figure out
which smaller steps I should take before replacing the whole assembly. Any
advice would be awesome.
Thanks!

19 Answers

223,915

Try moving the bulb around in the socket with the turn signal on to see if you can make contact with the bulb.

170

Even though the turn signal is working? Should I try to get someone to hold down the brake pedal while I'm trying that?

1 people found this helpful.
170

Just tried that and there is definitely a connection with the bulb. When I turned the head lights on, all of the tail lights worked, but still no driver side brake light. Would that indicate the brake light switch is bad?

5 people found this helpful.
223,915

No the brake switch is working, it would have to be in the wire for the break light. Try following the wires back to a plugin. Just may have to unplug and plug back in. Could be a bad connection there. There is no power coming threw the brake light wire on that side.

8 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
170

That worked! Thank you so much! Can't believe it was that easy.

3 people found this helpful.
223,915

Great! Sometimes it is not easy with wiring. Glad it is working.

3 people found this helpful.
170

Sorry to exhaust the question, but I'm having a similar problem again. I can literally hit the tail and the brake light will start working again for a short while, but by the next trip it's out again. Obviously an electrical wiring issue, right? I don't know if I should order a new assembly or finally cave and take it to a mechanic in case the wiring problem goes deeper.

5 people found this helpful.
223,915

If you are able to tap the tail light lens to make it work, there is just a bad connection right there at the bulb. You may need to replace the bulb socket itself, not the hole lens.

40

JUST TRY CLEANING THE BULB SOCKET WITH ELECTRICAL CONTACT CLEANER. YOU HAVE A LOOSE CONNECTION. SORRY FOR THE CAPS BUT TO LAZY TO RETYPE.

4 people found this helpful.
40

I’m having the same prob i have unplugged it and plugged it in several times still no break light went to the dealership today they want an arm and a leg they told me to take the right light out and try on the left side the plug is the same i tried it and it still doesn’t work please help

4 people found this helpful.
30

I'm having the same problem with my 2003 Dodge Caravan. Looks like it's a common problem. Does anyone know if it's a DIY fix or do I definitely need expert repair service?

3 people found this helpful.
20

I have the same issue. Drivers side rear turn signal works, drivers side rear brake light doe not. Can't be the bulb or connection at the bulb socket.

2 people found this helpful.

Im having the same problem ive done everything i know we had to take the van in because there was an electrical problem they said they fixed it but i dont think they fixed everything on it because the whole car shut down while driving

Having the same issue with my 2005. I don’t have a solution yet, but I’ll update here when/if I do. Going to be chasing the wires back and see if we find the issue there.

I have the same problem as well but on the passenger side. All lights but the brake light on psgr side work. 4 ways work, tail light works, bulb ok, connections ok, sprayed all with de-ox it. Guess now to look for wiring diagram and probe wires. 2003 caravan.

40

E-car doc.@eloy8918@gmail.com Hello guys I'm a Ase certified master tech,here's what I've diagnosed and temporarily modified on any side of vehicle.If any of you guys recall the Chevy pickup 1994-1998 or so rear tail lens assembly's also had same problems.Its a fact that yes the socket do heat up and fry, also at times burning what is referred to as a printed circuit.The excess resistance melts flat metal circuit causing an open. I've modified plastic circuit board(bulb sockets clip into)and jumpered a wire directly to bulb socket by sawing a small groove and tying it to corresponding contact pin.

4 people found this helpful.
10

I have a problem with the driver's taillight that stay on as if I had the brake stuck only on that side.what could it be? a 2008 dodge grand caravan

1 people found this helpful.
20

I would check the connector where the socket assembly fits into the tail light. The one on my mom's van was corroded and melted the housing a bit. You can see it fairly easily if you look. I imagine this is why there are tail light assemblies available, it must be a common problem.

2 people found this helpful.

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