[Habsfan]

I was looking to replace the trunk lift supports when I noticed that the trunk brake light was on when I lifted the trunk in the raised position. As I lowered the trunk the brake light went off. I messed around with the wiring but could not find a short. I am thinking that there is something wrong with the trunk latch mechanism. Any suggestions on how to fix this problem? I noticed that the bulb was starting to melt the plastic near the socket area.
Any idea on where to buy good priced lift supports?

[micholob]

If there was nobody sitting with their foot on the brake the light should not have been on. If that's the case your brake light switch needs attention.

As for new trunk supports - check rockauto.com or look on ebay. They are pretty cheap

As far as what is wrong with the trunk latch mechanism... it's hard to say since you didn't say why you think something is wrong with it.

[Habsfan]

The brake light ( the one mounted on the trunk) is only on when the trunk lid is up. When the trunk is closed the light goes off as well. This is why I don't think it is the brake switch. The wiring for the third light goes up to the latch area. Is there something I need to replace?

[micholob]

That doesn't make any sense to me. There should be no power going to any of the lights if the parking lights are off.

[95intrepid99kid]

I think he means it like this:

Trunk Open = Third Brake Light On (my guess is that there is a short in between the "trunk ajar" lamp on the dash, and the Third Brake Light)

Trunk Closed = Third Brake Light Off

[Habsfan]

That is correct. Thanks for clearing that up. But I think the problem is at the trunk. What exactly makes the trunk light operate? Is there something in the latch itself?

[95intrepid99kid]

I'll give you the picture of my trunk latch (it being a 1G it is different)

[95intrepid99kid]

If this will help you in any way, please by all means use it!!

[Adpros]

Sounds 2nd gen to me... Check the wiring harness at the left side of the trunk for a rub through on the body. Sounds like wires be touching each other when the lid is open and the harness is stretched.

[Habsfan]

It is a second generation 02 Dodge Intrepid. It gets a little more interesting!

Push on brake pedal = tail lights glow, no third light on trunk
Press trunk release = third light on trunk glows brightly and then a (dim glow) of third light on trunk
Push key fob again = third light on trunk glows bright for a half second ( you can hear the trunk release function) and then remains on with a low glow
I still assume this has something to do with my latch mechanism.
What do you think?

[Adpros]

I think the 3rd brake light circuit and the trunk latch mechanism are two independent circuits wired in close proximity. Please recheck the wiring harness for abrasions and / or improper splicing.

[Habsfan]

I had a few hours to check things out. But I had no success. I didn't find any problems with the wiring near the left tire wheel well. The third brake light mounted on the trunk is lit as long as the trunk is open. When the trunk is closed it shuts off. I tried to isolate the ground wires near the remote trunk latch but I didn't have any luck. Do you think it is the brake switch or the rear trunk latch that is the issue causing problems? I am not sure what I should try next to fix the problem.
If I hit the remote trunk switch on the key fob the light (third brake light) glows brighter for a half a second. This makes me believe there is something not right at the latch. With that being said, with the trunk closed and after pressing on the brake pedal the third light does not function.
Any suggestions?

[Adpros]

I would start yanking fuses, (One at a time), until the symptoms quit. e.g. with the trunk open and the third brake lamp glowing, pull the i.o.d. fuse and see if it goes out. I haven't taken a look at the schematics on this but, I'd be tempted to say you are picking up stray current from somewhere.

I suppose it is all possible that there is or was an aftermarket alarm / remote start system installed on this car and has become naughty. The center stop circuit voltage may have been used as a signal for stop light detection.

[Bucky83]

Check your grounds, it's a longshot but I've seen that wreak havoc on lighting

[cdmccul]

You have a ground loop issue - I'd look at each light bulb for a bad filament.