Elektrikal Glitches :P

[faterotong]

Hey guys, just noticed this on Saturday on my dad's '03 GC Sport with 3.8L. Here's the deal. I'm talking about the rear right tail light that doesn't work properly when brakes are applied. I didn't have anybody with me to check what I assume is the problem but here goes.

If you leave the light position to off, it'll have the DRL on as usual since this is a Canadian GC. Ok, in the position, the right brake light does NOT come on when the brake is pressed. But, if you turn the lights on, both tail lights work properly. I'm thinking this must be the fuse since the lamp turns on when you turn on the lights.

I'll have my sister go outside, or my dad when he comes home to show me cuz I couldn't determine if it was working or not when the lights were turned on...any :help: would be appreaciated.

TIA! :)

[Dodgevanman]

Rear bulbs have two filaments inside them. One for the running lights and one for the brake/turn signal. Try replacing the bulb with a new one before you dive into diagnostics.

[faterotong]

I know that there are two different bulbs inside ours since it's not an '04+ since DCX went cheap and replaced 'em with a single filament setup.

The funny thing is that it'll light up when you turnt he lights on! That's why I'm doubting replacement of a bulb....I'm guessing it's a fuse or something else electrical since my dad has had a minitouch handicap system installed and the people there even messed up the driver side window controls for both front windows. When you roll 'em down, they work for their corresponding sides, but if you want to roll 'em up, it's the left for the right window and the right for the left window :crazy: :crazy:

Thanks man :rck:

[Dodgevanman]

Well, sometimes the one filament will go bad. You'll get tailights, but no brake light. Also the turn signal won't work properly either since that also activate the brighter filament.

I always try and eliminate the easy things first before I dive into tracing wires and fuses.

[faterotong]

Hmm. I'll check when my dad comes home if the turn signals work properly or not. If not, we'll go to the local Canadian Tire and get the bulb.

Thanks!

[faterotong]

Ok, update! The light will only come on if you turn the lights on. Press the brake, and it still doesn't light up...BUT, the turn signals work properly. Anymore suggestions before I run out to buy the filaments? Thanks!

[Dodgevanman]

Okay so you have two bulbs per side, right? An upper bulb and a lower bulb? The reason I'm asking is because I was behind a Caravan yesterday and this is what I observed:

A total of four bulbs (excluding back-up lights), all four bulbs were lit since the driver had the lights on....when the brakes were applied the upper bulbs got bright, and when the turn signals were turned on, the lower bulb flashed.

Is this the same as your van? If it is, then it looks like the brake light bulbs are seperate from the turn signal bulbs. If this is the case, then I still think you have a bad bulb or a bad wire. I've never seen where there is a fuse for right or left side lights seperately. Bulbs are cheap...give it a shot.

[gas28man]

Nate,

Welcome to Moparland. There are, in fact, separate fuses for the right and left taillights on the 96-00 minivans. I never would have believed it either, but it's right there in my owners manual in black and white. I doubt the 01-and-up vans are any different.

I still think you're right, though, about the problem on this particular vehicle. It's a bulb or socket or wire problem, otherwise there's be a problem with the front lights too.

Rick

[faterotong]

THanks Nate!!! Man, I owe you one. My dad finally went to buy some bulbs at Canadian Tire today...too bad they're Motomasters. haha. They were the bulbs. It seems like the bulb burned a bit too much...cuz you can clearly see the glass is a bit black...But if it did burn out, howcome it'd come on with the lights? lol

Anyways, thanks y'all! Got it fixed. And it's pretty damn easy to replace!!! :D:D:D:D

[MovieCow]

i'm new to this how do I start a post on the main page

[faterotong]

moviecow, click the New Thread button.

[Dodgevanman]

Because each bulb has two filaments inside...one filament burned out while the other was still good. Seen it all the time.

[Dodgevanman]

Gasman,

Been in Mopar land for a while now, but I am just know getting into Mopars that are less than 30 years old. HAAAAAAAA!

I was a mechanic, but never ran into the fuse block on the newer Caravans...I got out of the field prior to these new vans.

[gas28man]

I know the feeling, Nate. I remember when I had a 1970 Dart 4-door with power nothing and rubber mats instead of carpet on the floor. You could write out the wiring diagram on the back of a bar napkin. ;D

[Dodgevanman]

My A-100 vans are the same way....they might have 8 fuses in the fuse block. LOL!!