I recently purchased a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic. The right rear (passenger side) brake light does not work. I would appreciate any help you can offer.

Here is what I've checked so far:

• The left and center brake lights work normally.
• Right and left marker lights, turn signals, and backup lights all work normally.
• Right brake light bulb is new and works on the left but not the right.
• The fuse for the right rear taillight is good.
• The Jeep has a trailer wire harness and both right and left brake lights work on a trailer. The wire harness is not spliced into the wires. It has actual connectors that match the vehicles connectors.
• I've also tried the brake lights without the trailer wiring harness but it made no difference.
• I've inspected the right rear taillight wires at the fuse box and inside the body at the taillight. There seems to be no cracked or frayed wires, and no other visible wire damage.
• I've inspected the bulb socket and there also seems to be no visible damage.

I have not checked or replaced the stop light switch at the brake pedal. Is it possible for the stop light switch to cause only one brake light to malfunction?

I'm also tempted to replace the brake light bulb socket but I hate to start guessing and hacking into the wiring. Are these sockets prone to failure with no visible problems?

Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the right rear brake light? I would also love to know the color and location of all the wires I'm dealing with - if that information even exists.

Any other thoughts on how to fix this bugger?

 

,if the bulb checked out check the contacts in the socket for juice

 

I was all ready for a big fight with the electrical system. Turns out it was one of those tiny, simple problems.

I started with the bulb socket by testing all the contacts as freegdr recommended. To my surprise, the hot contact for the brake light had power. After fiddling with the contacts for awhile I got the brake light to work. Turns out the positive brake light contact just needed to be bent in a bit to make better contact with the bulb.