2001 jeep XJ. The rear tail lights work perfectly when I press on the brake. The reverse light work fine. But when I let go off the brake(with the light switch on) only the rear left tail light and the light on top of the hatch stay on. The right side doesn't turn on. So far I've checked the stereo for any loose wires,I replaced the bulb and I also replaced the harness where the bulb plugs in. I thought the harness was bad but it was fine. Didn't make a difference. All my fuses under the dash are fine. What else can I check?

 

I hesitate to say it... but grounds?

Rear driverside inside, behind the spare is a wire junction. I had all kind of taillight funkiness going on until I opened that up and cleaned it. Turns out the inside of the fender well rusted a hole and it constantly threw mud and water up into it and on the wires and connections.

I had very inconsistent issues that seemed almost magical. There's a ground back there as well. It's also where you'll have to go to check wires anyway.

Might be a place to start?

 

"inconsistent issues that seemed almost magical"

Yep. Check the grounds. See my sig, #1.

 

Actually, the ground for the right tail lamps is not behind the spare tire (see pic).


The ground is G303 (see pic). If it were bad other systems would be inop as well.


The right tail lamps go through connector C321, which is behind the right rear trim panel in the cargo bay. This is a nasty area if you have rust holes in your right rear quarter panel where water and mud can get to the connector. You may want to check connector C321.


Left side grounds:





Right rear tail lamps ground (and C321):

 

In case it is a bad ground, G303 is located under the right front seat (see pic).

 

Thanks guys. I'll check the wiring Saturday morning.

 

Hi have a 1998 XJ 2.5 diesel and although both my brake lights work fine, my drivers side rear tail/driving light doesn’t work. Tried switching bulbs etc but that didn’t work. How did you cure your issue? With the dark nights drawing in I want other people to be able to see me on the road. Many thanks!

 

do you have this diagram for the right sise? My passenger front running lights and tail light dont work. Keeps blowing the 10amp in fuse slot 23.

 

Welcome to the forum
You replied to an old thread and the member who's post you quoted is no longer with us unfortunately.

What year ?
I recommend you download a FSM for your year- it has all the info and diagrams you need.

 

1999, Thanks.

 

If front & rear are affected it'd normally be the fuse but in your case, the problem is whatever's causing that to blow.
Check the sockets first, 'cos they're easiest then, as it's the right, which I think also feeds the tag lights, the harness where it passes between the back of the roof & the top of the liftgate.
After that, I'm afraid, it's a matter of following the harness 'til you find the damaged part where the short is.