Have a 2002 Ram 4x4, 4.7l. Truck failed inspection (North Carolina) due to my over head CHMSL brake light is not working when I press the brake pedal. My rear brake lights are working fine. I replaced the bulb (which looked good) and checked the fuse (#24) for the CHMSL light, which was good.
Any ideas as to what it could be? Was thinking the brake light switch, but I would think that none of my brake lights would work if that were bad. but I am not sure after looking at the wire diagram showing only the CHMSL light being fed by the switch??

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

is it law to have 3 brake lights? i don't think you can fail on that, what reason did they give you? i think you could fight that. Could be wrong i;m Canadian and the laws are different here

 

my 3rd brake light hasnt worked since a week after i tinted it and i have yet to change the bulb no tickets here....

 

It has to have power and ground to work. Use a test light to check that you are getting power to the center pin when the brake pedal is pushed and check to see if the socket has a good ground.

 

look in the connector where the bulb goes for corrosion, water leaks into them causing corrosion in the terminals. also a good idea to check for power and ground at your connector for verification

 

I didn't get a ticket for the light out, got one for expired tags. In NC your vehicle has to pass inspection before you can get your registration renewed. It failed because of the chmsl not working.

I replaced the switch last night...still does not work. Dug out my light probe but it decided not to work. I have a hand held tester, but no idea what to set the dial to or what holes to plug the leads into. There is about 20 options to set the dial to and 3 inlets to plug the 2 leads (one black/one red) into.

 

A test light would be easier. maybe buy a cheap one or borrow one from a friend