[BustedKnuckl]

I'm sure other WJ owners know this, as well as other observent drivers. But I got the urge to write it after I saw 2 WJs this evening with the same issue.

My 2002 Grand Cherokee also had this problem a few months back.

The issue - During regular driving, both tail lamps will function just fine. The problem is at night. With the headlamps on, both rear tail lamps also come on. But unknown to the driver, when the brake pedal is pressed with the headlamps on, one or both tail lights go out. As soon as the brake is let off, the lights go back on (running light mode)

I've seen more and more Jeep WJs doing this lately, mine included. It took awile for me to figure out what was going on. Finally had a slow day at the shop a few months back to bring in my truck, and figure things out -

On WJs, the tail light and brake light are one shared light. To do this, Chrylser made a sort of 3 way switch. (sorry, no pictures to illistrate)

When you remove the light socket, you'll notice 3 pairs of metal connectors (thats 6 metal tabs in all) These overtime tend to move around, and eventually loose contact. Instead of going through light bulbs, or turning to wiring issues, simply take a pair of pliers and twist the socket snug again.

Avoid tickets, headaches and hassles.

[JeepinIan]

BAsd ground is what you have just described. The socket being loose does not allow the lights to ground when the brake is pressed. When the brake is not depressed, the lights ground through the brake light circuit.

[Lulu Smiles]

This happened on my Other Jeep. Yes, you can tweak the contacts but they will continue to randomly go out again. I've been told that the lamp assembly should eventually be replaced.