2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission brake lights

[gegrimes]

My 01 2500 4x4 has no brake lights. I bought the vehicle used about 5 mo ago, it had an electronic trailer brake unit installed by the previos owner. I first noticed no br lights 1 month ago when hooking up a trailer, did my light check, and found out I didn't have brake lights. I also noted that I didn't have brake lights on my truck as well. I assume this problem is not due to bulbs, since both the truck and trailer don't work. I have not been able to correctly identify which fuse is for the brake lights, but have inspected most of the smaller fuses and found no apparent problems there. I even replaced the smaller fuses located inside the cab with known good ones, still no lights. I replaced the brake switch behind the foot pedal, no luck here. Yesterday I removed the electronic trailer brake sending unit, inspected it. It appears to be electrified, since lights come on and off. The wiring to the electronic brake unit appears professional. Why can't I see the light?

 

[dremelts]

Welcome aboard gegrimes!



It sounds like you've checked all the obvious things. I had a similar problem and it turned out to be the plunger in the brake switch was stuck, but you have replaced the switch so that must not be it.



I guess the only thing left to do is get out the ol' volt meter and start checking for voltage at various points along the circuit. I know it's a pain tracing those wires under the dash, but it's the only way I know to find where the disconnect is.

 

[tgbol]

Pull the bottom cover off of your steering column and inspect the wiring connector. The brake light wire to the turnsignal switch might be loose. I think the wire is white with a black tracer and it is in the middle connector.