I can't get my turn signals or brake lights to work. Everything else works fine. Help!

 

step 1 check fuses...

 

Already did

 

Unfortunately, it's a process to find the cause and it's gonna take some time... your time. Start off by depressing the brake pedal with your hand with your head in the driver's side footwell. You should hear a relay "click" as the brake arm depresses the shift-interlock/brake light switch. If you hear nothing then the switch has most likely gone bad (I assume you've checked the bulbs, if not, do that and you said you've already checked fuses). Also, confirm that you have power to the fuses using a multi-meter or test light, not just that they aren't blown.

If you hear the relay click then the next step is to test for voltage at the bulb socket. Also, check the blade-shaped harness connection at the base of the steering column. My blinkers weren't working and I spent hours tracing it only to discover that the harness plug had become partly disconnected.

Once you've exhausted these troubleshootings, report back and someone here will tell you it's time to start tracing leads.

There is also a harness plug behind the driver's side footwell that could have become disconnected or partially disconnected, corroded with water damage, etc.

 

for current or just looked at them?

 

That's really helpful I'll do that and then get back, thanks.

 

I'll check for current

 

i had the same problem about a month ago. I took everything apart, checked fuses, traced wires, replaced the brakelight switch, everything, and still nothing worked. I looked at the fuse box under the hood and there was a blown unmarked 10amp fuse in the middle of the box somewhere. so i put in a new one and VOILA ! i had brake/signal lights again.

 

Really? Which one? Did your hazards work? Because they don't work either. But I have headlights and running lights.

 

I actually had running lights and hazards, but no brake or rear signals. Just go through the 10amp fuses under the hood( there shouldnt be many) and make sure none of them are blown. I have a 97 so I dont know how different it would be from the first generation XJ's but i think its worth a shot.

 

Thanks a lot, I have a 91 so I guess we'll find out lol