No Brake Lights - DodgeIntrepid.Net Forums - Dodge Intrepid, Concorde, 300m and Eagle Vision chat

**jpc10874** · 08-19-2012, 08:10 PM

If the wire harnesses are hooked up wrong on an aftermarket alarm, could that be the issue with the brake lights? I replaced the evaporator and I had to disconnect some harnesses from the alarm/remote starter in order to remove the dash because they were wrapped around the side of the dash near the fuse panel. Stupid me forgot to label the wires from the alarm and after putting everything back, now the interior light, brake lights, and the lock/unlock button on the remote for the alarm are not working. The alarm works and will shut off when i hit the lock/unlock button on the remote, but it will not work to lock/unlock the doors. Also, the remote starter works but won't turn off when you touch the brake like it used to. I was thinking of disconnecting the alarm to see if that helps with any of the issues. Thanks for any replies.

**MrBigE** · 08-19-2012, 08:17 PM

Eeew... that's a bit of a pickle you're in there. Sure sounds like one or more wires were not reconnected where they were originally.

Do you have the make/model of the alarm? We might be able to offer some suggestions for reconnection.

**Ronbo** · 08-19-2012, 08:26 PM

Have you checked your junction block fuses? The ones at the drivers end of the dash? I'll bet one is popped!

**jpc10874** · 08-19-2012, 08:44 PM

I believe it's a Viper 350 alarm and also a Viper Valet. When the car was new, I had both installed because the store didn't have just the one with the alarm/remote starter. All the harnesses are plugged into the fuse box and the fuses are fine. I labeled all the harnesses at the fuse panel and junction block.

**DrDodge** · 08-19-2012, 08:57 PM

ok,, im gonna sound like a tech support guy from dell, is the switch for the brake lights pluged in? if so,, does it have power?, I always start simple,, after a dash is pulled , its easy to over look things,,

**jpc10874** · 08-19-2012, 09:23 PM

Everything is plugged in as far as I know. I had no extra wires/ harnesses left unplugged, this is why I think it's the alarm. Everything works in the car except the interior light and brake lights.

**peva** · 08-20-2012, 07:36 AM

Fuse I? That powers Fuses 20 and 19 - but you'd probably be noticing a bunch of other stuff not working too if that were the case. But worth checking.

**jpc10874** · 08-20-2012, 11:54 AM

Already checked the fuses. If I get a chance tomorrow, I will disconnect the alarm to see what happens.

**Ronbo** · 08-20-2012, 12:11 PM

Have you looked at Fuse I like Peva suggested? It's in the Power Distribution Center under the hood in the engine compartment. Fuses 19 and 20 are in the Junction block at the drivers end of the dash.

And how did you check them? With a multimeter or just visually looking at them? Many times a fuse can look fine visually but actually be blown.

**DrDodge** · 08-20-2012, 12:33 PM

in times like this a good test light is your best buddy, just for grins and giggles,, does your power trunk release work?

**jpc10874** · 08-20-2012, 02:46 PM

I tested the fuses with a "fuse tester" which shows a green light when good. I also swapped out fuses 19 and 20 with spare one's that I had to no avail. I did not check the power distribution under the hood, which I will do today. Yes, the power trunk release works and it also works when I hit the aux. button on the alarm remote. Everything in the car works except the brake lights and interior lights. I have a test light so I will check the harnesses with the light.

**DrDodge** · 08-20-2012, 03:02 PM

ok,, so that tells us fuse 1 and 19 are fine,,

**Ronbo** · 08-20-2012, 03:11 PM

As Peva said Fuse I in the PDC feeds fuses 19 & 20 in the Junction Block. Fuse 19 is the power feed for the courtesy lights and Fuse 20 is the power feed for the brake light switch.

I asked how you checked the fuses due to many people saying they have and it turns out they just pulled the fuse and looked at it. You've actually tested the fuses so that's good.

It's also possible you disturbed one of the connectors on the back of the junction block. Connectors C1 and C4 look like they're involved with that. Also how are the connections made to the alarm and remote start? Are wires cut and the alarm/remote start spliced in or are those wires attached with the "Vampire Tap" type of connector that goes over the existing wire and cuts into it when the cover is closed.

**jpc10874** · 08-20-2012, 07:17 PM

I checked and switched the fuses in the PDC and still nothing. The alarm wires are, I believe, to be spliced into the main wire harness from the car and they have relays and fuses attached to them. I also noticed today that the blue led for the alarm is on constantly when in valet mode. Before, it would turn off after a few minutes. I didn't have time to mess with it today.

**jpc10874** · 10-09-2012, 06:12 PM

I think I found my problem. Started taking everything apart again and this is what I found. This harness is disconnected and is attached to the main harness for the radio/heater controls. I'm not sure where it connects to, but guess I'm taking everything apart again!

http://www.dodgeintrepid.net/attachm...1&d=1349820599