97 Dakota SLT ext cab drivers side brake light issue
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From: Southern Indiana
97 Dakota SLT ext cab drivers side brake light issue
Hi, I’m needing help with a brake light issue. My 97 Dakota drivers side brake light is really dim.
but it also illuminates both backup lights at that time.
also when using the turn signals, both RH & LH work but the LH works and causes both backup lights to flash also.
the wiring is stock and only I’ve ever owned the truck.
The only wiring that I’ve done is add in a trailer plug into the system at the back and my trailer lights all work perfectly.
Please help cause I’m at a loss at what to try!
thanks
Elvis in So. Indiana
but it also illuminates both backup lights at that time.
also when using the turn signals, both RH & LH work but the LH works and causes both backup lights to flash also.
the wiring is stock and only I’ve ever owned the truck.
The only wiring that I’ve done is add in a trailer plug into the system at the back and my trailer lights all work perfectly.
Please help cause I’m at a loss at what to try!
thanks
Elvis in So. Indiana
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Joined: Apr 2025
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From: Southern Indiana
Ok thanks. I will definitely check the grounds.
I did find a thread with several instances where folks mentioned not finding any bad wires or grounds BUT that the wires themselves had bad corrosion and meter was only measuring 9 volts where the passenger side had 12 volts.
I did notice that the wires did appear to be corroded inside the wire covering so that may be a part of it.
if that turns out to be the culprit, I guess I’ll hafta somehow run a whole new wire along the harness and see if that fixes it.
I’ll post with results.
I did find a thread with several instances where folks mentioned not finding any bad wires or grounds BUT that the wires themselves had bad corrosion and meter was only measuring 9 volts where the passenger side had 12 volts.
I did notice that the wires did appear to be corroded inside the wire covering so that may be a part of it.
if that turns out to be the culprit, I guess I’ll hafta somehow run a whole new wire along the harness and see if that fixes it.
I’ll post with results.
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Registered User
Joined: Apr 2025
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From: Southern Indiana
Better illumination after cleaning terminals
Ok, I took the drivers side tail light wiring loose down to the next plug connection and I think I made a little progress.
I cleaned all the plug connections with a small wire brush and contact cleaner.
cut away the factory wire covering holding them all together and it was holding water and dirt/mud and cleaned all that a rewrapped it.
didn’t find any bad wires there but when I put it back together, it seemed I had brighter brake light and turn signals.
BUT, I still have the issue of when it’s dark, with the lights on I have the “running lights” both sides and when I press the brake pedal, the drivers side tail light goes completely out.
Passenger side works fine.
the passenger side comes off the same drivers side lead so it’s still confusing.
im going to continue to check grounds and re-wire the trailer plug.
I cleaned all the plug connections with a small wire brush and contact cleaner.
cut away the factory wire covering holding them all together and it was holding water and dirt/mud and cleaned all that a rewrapped it.
didn’t find any bad wires there but when I put it back together, it seemed I had brighter brake light and turn signals.
BUT, I still have the issue of when it’s dark, with the lights on I have the “running lights” both sides and when I press the brake pedal, the drivers side tail light goes completely out.
Passenger side works fine.
the passenger side comes off the same drivers side lead so it’s still confusing.
im going to continue to check grounds and re-wire the trailer plug.