The third brake light makes it easier for other drivers to know when you’re slowing down. This brake light is in the direct sight of drivers following your vehicle. However, a common problem in the older models of jeep wranglers is that the third brake light will stop working.
Now, it can be quite annoying when two of your brake lights are working perfectly and the middle one is malfunctioning. If you’re also having trouble with the third brake light of your Jeep Wrangler then follow the methods mentioned here to potentially fix your brake light.
How to Fix Jeep Wrangler Third Brake Light Not Working?
- Inspect the Bulb
When dealing with any lights related issues, you should always start by checking the bulb. It is very common for the bulb in your brake lights to go bad. So, if you have had the vehicle for a long time and the third brake light started malfunctioning recently then you should inspect the bulb to see if it is burned out.
You need to get a 921-replacement bulb and then remove the front cap from the third brake light. You might also need a T20 Torx screwdriver to remove the screws from the front cap.
After removing the front cap, just take out the old bulb and install the replacement. That should fix your third brake light if the previous bulb was burned out.
- Clean the Connectors
Now, if the third tail light is not working even after replacing the bulb, then it is probable that you have an issue with the connector installed behind the tailgate. These connectors need to meet to complete the circuit. However, these connectors can go bad over time if you don’t take proper care of them.
Most of the time, these connectors get dirty or tarnished due to which the circuit is unable to complete. Cleaning these connectors should help you fix the third brake light if there are no additional problems with the circuit.
You can use a metal brush or sandpaper to clean these connection points and then close the tailgate again. Make sure to not grind on the connectors too much or you might end up damaging them permanently.
Close the tailgate after cleaning the connectors thoroughly and your third brake light should start working at this point.
- Fix Damaged Wires
After cleaning the connectors, you should also make sure that the carpet doesn’t get in the way of the contact points. You will need to ensure that the connectors can meet to complete the circuit.
However, if the third brake light is not working even after replacing the bulb and cleaning the connectors then the problem might be with the wires connected to these connectors.
Some of the wires connected to these connectors might be damaged and you need to either take your Jeep Wrangler to a workshop or check the wiring yourself.
Make sure to replace any damaged wires connected to the silver connectors behind your tailgate. The third brake light should start working after following all the steps mentioned above.
