Brake lights wont work

[evil00017]

Have a 2001 RT/10 and the brake lights wont work. I read on here a common problem is the brake light switch. I saw it was fairly inexpensive to get replaced and got it replaced. The brake lights are still out. Can anyone shed some light on some other possibilities on what it could be?

All the brake lights are out but the rear tails work fine when I turn on the headlights.

 

[daveg]

Do you have power getting to the switch?

 

[evil00017]

The car is at the dealer. The switch is getting power. They just gave me a update saying that there was a fuse out and when they replace the fuse it immediately blows again. So there is a short somewhere. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[DrTaco]

Did you do any recent (before/during winter) mods? Mess with something like a stereo? Add any after market mods?

If you have a shop manual you may have to copy the wiring diagram and try and look at all the wiring involved and check from there. Electrical gremlins are the worst

 

[CEJ]

Any mice chewing on the wires during the wintertime?

 

[Dom426h]

I'm having the same problem with my DodgeDakota. TailLights are on when the lights are on but when i push the brake they do not get brighter and the center one dosn't turn on.

I replaced All the rear lights(the center one was blown), the brake switch, and checked all the fuses.

Still no brake lights

 

[evil00017]

I have been driving it over winter because we dont get snow. No new mods no nothing. When I heard the brake switch was common I was hoping that was it. Looks like I got worst case scenario. I feel for you Dom426H....THIS *****!! Thanks for the responses guys.

 

[evil00017]

Alright here is a update and want to know everyone's opinion. The short has been found! The short is in the ABS module.
Here are my options. They no longer make the ABS modules so it cant be replaced. There is a place that can repair it for like 850. Getting to the ABS module is a PITA and costly labor wise to get it out. There is a chance that the ABS cant be repaired. So do I just say screw it disconnect the ABS module and become basically a 2000 viper with no ABS and no forged engine? Or get it repaired. Total cost is like 2400. Right now im siting at 600ish. Right now I am thinking screw it and not fix the ABS.

 

[LifeIsGood]

That sounds crazy to me. There are numerous used viper parts sponsors on this site. Call them.

VCA Sponsors

 

[evil00017]

Yea I was just looking up some used modules. Im thinking of taking it out of the dealership and doing it myself...gives me a project.

 

[KyViper]

I had this exact problem with my 2001 RT. The Dealer found a chafed wire. Fixed (at that time under warrentyin 2003). Make sure that you get this troubleshooting on the ABS double checked.

 

[Dan Aseere]

Had this happen once. The two terminals on the bottom of the bulb was touching causing the short. Check each bulb.