Brake Light Problem

[FSCGunslinger]

My bro-in-law shot me an email today. Here's what he has to say:

The problem is that we've got no brake lights. Running lights are good but they don't change with brake application. First things first, I erred on the obvious side and replaced the bulbs (figuring I was lucky enough to have both brake filaments blown...) but that didn't handle it. I'm imagining its now something to do with a brake solenoid or a switch along the way. If it was only the front or rear brake I'd look more specifically at the switches near the handle and/or foot lever but with neither affecting the brake light, I'm thinking it is a switch or solenoid somewhere mid-system. Can you have your gurus pick my story apart, tell me how stupid I am, and then maybe if they are feeling generous, point me in the right direction for testing the components along the way?

So any ideas, fellas? This is for my XJ.

[mro]

First would check the rear brake switch.
Has been known to stick and brake light stays on.

Clean/check electrical connectors

If wiring is same as an SH...

At the rear, the 6 prong connector, the yellow wire is for brake light. Test with multimeter if you get 12V there when applying a brake. If you have 12V there then sounds like you have a ground problem.

If no voltage then there's an open or both switches be bad.
Will need to check wires for a break.


mro