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Newer vehicles have two lower brake lights and a roof-mounted stoplight.backside of jeep isolated image by goce risteski from Fotolia.com
Test your brake lights. The Jeep Cherokee is equipped with two tail brake lights and sometimes an additional one roof-mounted stop light. Ask a friend to tell you if all your brake lights are functioning as you step on the brake pedal. - 2
Single and double element bulbs can be used for brake lights.Bulb image by Illimity from Fotolia.com
Remove the red lens cap on any of the brake light locations that are not working. The lower tail lights require a small metric socket to remove the housing. Remove the bulb and check to see if the tiny filament inside is broken or if the bulb is discolored. Switch the bulb with another functional brake light bulb. If it works, the original bulb has blown. Replace with a bulb that has the correct rating. - 3). Use contact spray to clean the bulb socket. The sockets are prone to calcification, rust and debris. Use a tip of sandpaper to clean the bulb contact points inside the socket to assure good contact. If a good bulb illuminates after a socket cleaning, the socket connector caused the problem.
- 4). Locate the main fuse box. Depending upon the model, it will be located in the engine compartment or behind the left front passenger side kick panel. Examine the fuse for a broken filament; replace if it shows damage. Use a test light to check both ends of the fuse holder while someone applies the brakes. No flash from the test light indicates no electricity to the fuse. In some cases you might have to turn the ignition key to the "On" position.
- 5). Check the brake light switch underneath the steering wheel next to the brake pedal. A small relay box is located there that completes a circuit. Depressing the pedal sends electrical current to all the brake lights from this switch.
When all brake lights are out the brake switch can be the problem. Check that the electrical connector to the switch is clean and tight. Unsnap the connector to the brake switch and connect the voltmeter or test light probe to the connection inside the switch. Depressing the switch plunger or stepping on the brake should give you a test light or voltmeter reading of 12 volts. No electrical signal means the switch has failed and you need to replace it.
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