interior lights linked to break light switch problem, any one had this happen

[dnparadice]

I have a 93 that has developed an interesting wiring problem. My breaklights dont work but when i depress the break it turns on my instrument lights and my parking lights, if they are off. If my instrument and exterior lights are on when i depress the breaks nothing (lights) happen, at least it still stops. I have tryed tracing the wires to see if there are any bare or loose but it just turns into a rats nest in the dash and I dont even know what I am really looking for. I replaced the break lights and it still does the same thing. If any one has ever had this happen and found a way to fix it please respond.
-JC

[Edbrooks]

Be sure you have the correct bulbs in both the taillights and the brake lights. Be sure the bulbs are seated correctly, and not partially twisted loose. An incorrect type bulb can cause this, and is, in fact, one of the common causes of this. I once changed bulbs in the rear turn signal and accidentally got the wrong bulb. Each time I put on the left turn signal, my dome light flashed brightly with it! Took me a few days to figure out what had happened.

[dnparadice]

good call, I checked the bulbs and the MFs at the un-named parts store had sold me the wrong bulb the last time I was in there. went to a better parts store and got the corect bulb now everything works great. thanks for the tip I was about to replace the headlight switch which im sure is no fun.
-JC

[mjhicks]

I have a 93 Cherokee with a querky electrical problem too... When I step on the break the display on the car stario dims. Could this also be related to wrong bulbs???

[dnparadice]

maby, the sterio light normaly dims when you turn on the dash lights, see if you dash lights are turning on when you hit the breaks as well. check and make sure you have the correct bulb and it is sitting in the harness in the correct position, upon further inspection I noticed that my harness was old and worn out and you could easily install the bulb backwards which caused this problem in my 93
-JC