99 Cherokee with no Brake Lights

:shakehead Got a 99 Cherokee classic. Aside from one fuel pump replacement and probs with the passenger door window switch...have had no real issues....
Until Now! Freakin' brake lights don't work. Tested resistence on brake switch, checked for voltage. Both were good. (but still replaced the switch with a new one just to rule it out). Checked all wires even after pulling out the interior quarter covers, trim around hatch, etc. Found no shorts, no cut wires. :screwy: < pretty much how I feel now!

Got no clue, gonna go back and check voltage at the connector(s) inside the rear quarters (can't remember at this point if I've got voltage back there or not). Course in the process I found that my back up lights don't work either so tomorrow I'll be on the floor testing the neutral switch for resistence.

Checked all fuses, etc.....running out of options. Anyone have a clue what the issue could be? Oh Yeah, also checked the grounds which are soldered together (3 black grounds from each rear taillight) they're good too!

I would really appreciate some assistance here cause I'm about ready to torch the darn thing:evillol:

Hmmm..... my first impression is that it would be highly unlikely that both your brake light switch and your neutral safety switch would both go out at the same time. Also, the effected lights are all (for the moment) located in one area... at the back. You said the fuel pump was swapped out... could there possibly be a wiring connection that was not made when the installation was done? BTW, you did check the bulbs.....just a thought given the previous electrical work on the fuel pump....just thinking possible short or voltage spike.

It sounds to me like a broken ground wire or a poor ground connection.... how did you check the ground leads? You will probably show good voltage everywhere you test because your meter has a good ground (black lead connected to the chassis). If you've determined you have good power up to each of the sockets I would try checking the voltage in one of the sockets.... connect the ground lead of your meter to the outer casing of the socket and with the positive lead probe the center power point at the bottom of the socket. You may have to get a helper to push on the brake pedal or use a block of some kind (to activate the circuit). If you get no power at any of the effected sockets, I would look for grounding problems. Try bypassing the harness grounding wire on one of the sockets by using a jumper....if you get positive results then for sure you've got a ground problem.

Is there a trailer hookup? Sometimes these can cause problems if the harness is worn. If there is a trailer harness, remove it from the wiring. I had one on my XJ....it was located in the drivers rear quarter.

Hope this helps...

Mike
00XJ

Check the fuse in the PDC.

Here is diagram:
http://jeep.larrynova.com/00/00_XJ_BrakeSwitch.pdf

Thanks guys for the replies! Going to head out now and double check connections around the fuel pump sending unit for missed connections, etc. Will also check fuse 23 in the PDC. All bulbs were checked and both filaments seem to be good on the 3057s for the brake lights. Going to re-check to see where I lose the power & try to step it back toward the dash from the rear of the jeep. Hoping I come across a blatent cut wire or a ground which broke off somewhere along the way. I will also do some additional testing at each of the 3 sockets (including the 3rd brake light). Not real proficient at wiring problems, hence the frustration. Figure I'll work it as long as I can before I freak....then I guess it's off to a auto electrical shop. Certainly won't take it to the dealer for fear of being bent over....etc. will update again in a couple hours.