Tail light brake light issues

[Fletcher34]

I own a 97 LC and noticed a couple weeks back, while parked in the garage, that my brake light bar and tail lights were still on. I got in the rig and tapped the brakes and they went off. Then this morning i noticed after parking that my DS tail light was on my PS tail light was brighter indicating the brake light was on in that one, and the brake light bar was on. Tapped the brakes and they went off. Turn signals and headlights both work fine. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

[Jgrauman]

I own a 97 LC and noticed a couple weeks back, while parked in the garage, that my brake light bar and tail lights were still on. I got in the rig and tapped the brakes and they went off. Then this morning i noticed after parking that my DS tail light was on my PS tail light was brighter indicating the brake light was on in that one, and the brake light bar was on. Tapped the brakes and they went off. Turn signals and headlights both work fine. Any suggestions on what to do?

the brake sensor by the brake pedal needs to be adjusted a tad. probably just the nut is loose allowing it to turn in a bit. look under the dash where the pedal is, at the top of the pedal is a small push button, when this is pushed the brake lights go out. there is an adjustable screw. adjust as necessary

 

[Fletcher34]

the brake sensor by the brake pedal needs to be adjusted a tad. probably just the nut is loose allowing it to turn in a bit. look under the dash where the pedal is, at the top of the pedal is a small push button, when this is pushed the brake lights go out. there is an adjustable screw. adjust as necessary

What would cause one tail light to be on (as if my headlights were turned on but without applying brakes) and the other tail light on but as if I'm applying brakes (so much brighter)?

 

[Jgrauman]

What would cause one tail light to be on (as if my headlights were turned on but without applying brakes) and the other tail light on but as if I'm applying brakes (so much brighter)?

bulb about to go out? does it work when the brake is applied normally?

 

[blkprj80]

What would cause one tail light to be on (as if my headlights were turned on but without applying brakes) and the other tail light on but as if I'm applying brakes (so much brighter)?

That part sounds more like a bad ground at the tail light itself. Another thing to check would be the trailer light module that's behind the passenger side panel (with the sub-woofer in it).

 

[shocktower]

Are you running LED's ??

 

[Fletcher34]

Are you running LED's ??

Yes LED tail lights.

 

[EricG]

That part sounds more like a bad ground at the tail light itself. Another thing to check would be the trailer light module that's behind the passenger side panel (with the sub-woofer in it).

If your truck is wired for a trailer, definitely check this. When that module goes bad, all sorts of weird electrical behavior can result.

 

[Fletcher34]

If your truck is wired for a trailer, definitely check this. When that module goes bad, all sorts of weird electrical behavior can result.

It is wired for a trailer. Where is this module located?

 

[EricG]

It is wired for a trailer. Where is this module located?

It's behind one of the panels in the rear of the truck - I don't remember which side, but I think it's driver's side. Trace the wires back from the trailer connector.

Typically, it's installed by separating the wiring harness going to the rear lights at a factory connector, and then the connector for the trailer wiring goes in between. Just unplug the trailer module and plug the factory harness back together and see if your symptoms go away.

When mine went bad, I had lots of strange gremlins - including shutting the vehicle down on the interstate. That was fun.

 

[ppc]

It is wired for a trailer. Where is this module located?

Most of the time it will be located in the passenger side rear panel. All you need to do is to follow the trailer light connector backwards.

 

[shocktower]

It's behind one of the panels in the rear of the truck - I don't remember which side, but I think it's driver's side. Trace the wires back from the trailer connector.

Typically, it's installed by separating the wiring harness going to the rear lights at a factory connector, and then the connector for the trailer wiring goes in between. Just unplug the trailer module and plug the factory harness back together and see if your symptoms go away.

When mine went bad, I had lots of strange gremlins - including shutting the vehicle down on the interstate. That was fun.

It is on the passenger side very back and the OEM one is taped to the sheet metal, I don't think you can just unplug the wires, you need a " Hopper " in place for the blinkers to work, a replacement's are cheap, I would try this or just use a multimeter

 

[Fletcher34]

It is on the passenger side very back and the OEM one is taped to the sheet metal, I don't think you can just unplug the wires, you need a " Hopper " in place for the blinkers to work, a replacement's are cheap, I would try this or just use a multimeter

Can this "hopper" be bought at an auto store like Advanced, Oreilly, etc.? Is that the technical name for it?

 

[shocktower]

Can this "hopper" be bought at an auto store like Advanced, Oreilly, etc.? Is that the technical name for it?

Yes it's a brake light turn signal divider, just explain it to the parts guy and I am pretty sure they know, also a big Uhaul place will have one too that's where I got mine

 

[ppc]

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-4340...qid=1505929738&sr=8-1&keywords=Hopkins+#43405