2000 Xterra brake light problem

[geezerman]

The center brake light works OK, but the brake lights in the tail lights do not. The bulbs checked out OK. There's no power to the tail light brake lights according to my trusty Radio Shack multimeter. There's two switches on the brake pedal. One is connected to at least the center brake light. When I disconnected it the center light didn't work (and neither did the tail light brake lights.) The center light worked OK when I reconnected the switch (tail light ones still are broke). I don't know what the other switch does. Both wires connected to it are grounded (trusty multimeter again). Is this an indicator of the root problem?

I checked the brake light socket ground (black wire) for continuity to the chassis. It's fine. The hot wire (green w red stripe) side of the light bulb socket has good continuity with the right and left lights, but no 12V. Any ideas?

[OffroadX]

Can't see any way in the wiring diagram to have the center light work but the other two not other than 2 failed grounds.

That second switch is for the cruise control.

[geezerman]

DOn't know what the spare pressure effect it, but its fine. Checked it yesterday when I dropped it down to try to trace wiring under the frame.

Both the grounds on the tail brake lights checked out OK with my multimeter (good continuity from the black wire light socket connectors to the chassis).

I agree with your reading of the wiring diagram. But, its only a schematic. Are the two tail brake lights connected by a wire and then with a branch wire to the center light? Do you know if this is through a wiring harness behind a rear panel?

[OffroadX]

The spare tire thing is my signature...

Here's the wiring diagram:

[geezerman]

Thanks. Got it working.

[OffroadX]

And the problem/fix was...?

[geezerman]

A broken or loose wire. I ran another one from the switch on the brake pedal to the wiring harness under the driver's side front seat. I did not find the break in the wire because its buried in all the wires under the dash. I used a cut up bicycle tire to protect the new wire as it passed around metal brackets, etc.

Thanks for your help.

[OffroadX]

I still can't see any way for a failure at any point to take out the main lights but not the center.

[geezerman]

I agree. The circuit in the wiring diagram would not allow that failure. But, its working now and I'm happy.

[antpet]

Originally Posted by geezerman

I agree. The circuit in the wiring diagram would not allow that failure. But, its working now and I'm happy.

Hello I am new at this but here it goes. I have a 2002 Nissan Xterra that I got from my dad someone messed with the Radio when he had it and screwed up things. Every since I bought this vehical I can not keep from blowing fuses for the tail lights as soon as I replace the fuse and turn on my head lights the fuse blows. Any Ideas? Also the Dash lights do not work. It seems to be a ground problem. Help!!!!!!!!!!

[antpet]

Hello I just posted a question and thought you could help. I have a 2002 Nissan Xterra Everytime I turn my lights on it blows my tail light fuse also my dash lights do not work. Any ideas on what is going on.
Thanks,
Tony

[geezerman]

Antpet,

Sure does sound like a short to ground somewhere in the circuit. I suggest you get the wiring diagram for your 2002 Xterra and begin the troubleshooting with it. You should be able to to find any common circuit elements between the radio and rear lights. If not, your Dad may have just busted up some wires connected to the rear light circuits while fooling with the radio. I got the diagrams for my 2000 Xterra from www.ahdol.com. They're inexpensive and download in convenient pdf format. The other good thing about these diagrams is that the wire insulation colors are identified so you can trace any rear light circuit wires that my be passing in the vicinity of the radio.

Good Luck,

Geezerman

[antpet]

thanks for the info