Took my Jeep for an inspection today, and as it turns out, I've been driving with no 3rd brake light or reverse lights... Woops... The mechanic estimates between $500 - $700 for all 3, including estimated labor times (had my grandfather check, he can get the parts for $290) Has anyone had a similar issue? It is an early production (March) 1997 Country with a 4.0 and an auto (not sure how relevant that is) Does it look like something I can do at home in the driveway in a day, or will I be ripping out the interior?

 

http://www.bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-...ty-switch-nss/

Check out the link above. My 97 Cherokee failed for reverse lights as well. The part is around $275 at advance auto. It is a simple fix. Just finished mine today and reverse lights work. Your third light is probably a dead bulb. I don't think they are related. I was intimidated before doing this and didn't want to waste my time but deal feel that way because its easy. Good luck!!

 

You are best off find a more 'lenient' place to do your inspection. I still do not have a 3rd brake light to this day, and a giant crack running across my whole windshield even at the time of the inspection and millions of codes popping up. If you are looking to replace the lights, it is something that can be done easily. If it is just burned out bulbs (which I hope it is) then you're looking at a few new bulbs for $0.99 each and a few new fuses and spending some quality time with mr. rachet and socket. The mechanic 'willing' to change them for $500-$700 is out of his mind. Stick to the forum, fix your cher yourself, and save hundreds.

 

The link doesn't seem to be working...

Yeah, the more I think about it, the easier it seems... I know you guys don't like to post the lax shops online, because, well, yeah, but how should I go about finding one?

 

Ask friends, ask friends of friends. The only way I found the shop that passed mine was through my dad. They DO exist. we live in a world in which not everyone plays by the rules. If any of your friends are real car nuts ask them, they could know of a place close by. Your local autozone or advancedautoparts will most likely have employees that are friends with garage owners who do them, junkyard employees as well. and the easiest option, drive around and look for the most run down shop that looks the most eager for business.

it seems like only us New England states have it so rough with inspections besides Cali of course..

 

The more I think about it, the guy next door to my grandfather's body shop has a soft spot for XJs, and I see at least 3 lifted ones there at all times...

 

Any hack "inspector" that would pass this off, shouldn't have the job, in my opinion. Since the windshield provides the support for the vehicle roof and as well is not very expensive you should probably just replace it. In a rollover it could make the difference between walking away or not.

 

Gunmetal, your reverse light issue is likely caused by a gummed up Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) which lives on the passenger side of your automatic transmission. It is a common failure usually accompanied by occasional (or frequent) difficulty starting your Jeep in Park or Neutral. The overhaul procedure for the NSS is pretty easy but if you live in the Rust Belt, they're difficult to get off and will often break, requiring replacement. Here is a write-up on rebuilding your NSS.

http://jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm

As far as the third brake light... have you checked the bulb?

 

LOL. I'm not sure where you heard that but we don't have vehicle inspections unless you're selling or buying a vehicle with a salvaged title and even then, it's a one-time safety inspection that is good for the life of the car unless it's sold, again. We have smog testing every two years but that has nothing to do with windshields or reverse lights. It has nothing to do with anything but emissions. So much misinformation out there.

 

That makes sense, as it ran out of gas a couple of times, and someone tried to start it. Also, I left the door open when I detailed the interior, killing the battery, after which I tried to start it several times (dumb idea) I do live in the rust belt, but the car hasn't been here long, as it's from Fort Bragg, NC. Haven't checked the bulb yet, as I took it right from the mechanics to my grandfather's shop, and it's still there, but I planned on checking the bulbs anyway...

 

Thanks to the help from everyone, I was able to fix the 2 problems! I ended up replacing the NSS, and there was a loose connection going to the 3rd brake light. Definitely not a $600 repair... Bernice passed inspection yesterday, and I can take her with me this weekend on a ziplining and whitewater rafting trip!

 

You are not kidding about having to look for a shop that will pass it for one reason or another. My 98 XJ wouldn't pass the inspection in Corpus Christi, Tx because my window are so dark. I went to 3 shops that wouldn't pass it then the forth I went to passed it. But the only reason he passed it is he ripped off the old state inspection that wasn't yet expired. He still wasn't going to pass it until I spoke to the shop manager telling him that I at least wanted my old sticker back. But the inspector already tore it up. Since I move out of Corpus I have never had a problem getting it passed in the past 5 years.