I have an 02 TJ 4.0 sport the other day after starting the jeep i noticed my right blinker was lite up on cluster. I got out of the vehicle and found that both side marker running lights were inop. when turning the blinker on the blinker would illuminate but at half the brightness as normal. i took the bulb out and checked it it seemed fine. when i put the same bulb back and tried to turn the blinker on it just illuminated both running lights that previously were not on but the blinker would not blink it was a solid light and when i turn the blinker off now the marker lights on the right side turn back off . if i use my 4ways all 4 WAY lights work. i checked for corroision near the lights and found none any ideas
Running light doesn't work (blinker does, but it's dim)
- Thread starter Daveycny
- Start date
Here are a few steps you can take to diagnose and hopefully fix the problem:
A poor ground connection can cause the lights to dim or act erratically. Make sure the grounding points for your lights are all clean and tight. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity between the light socket and a good ground point on the vehicle (not a bad idea to start with).
I know you mentioned it, but I'd also check the light sockets for corrosion or damage very thoroughly. Sometimes oxidation can prevent good contact, leading to dim lights or changes in behavior when the blinker is activated.
While you mentioned the bulb looked fine, it might be worth trying a brand new bulb or a bulb known to be working. Sometimes bulbs can have issues that aren't easily visible. I've encountered this issue more than once.
Check the relevant relays and fuses for the turn signals and running lights. A malfunctioning relay could cause the blinker to behave erratically. Also, ensure the fuses are in good shape.
Look for any damaged or frayed wires in the harness leading to the lights. It’s possible that there’s a short somewhere that’s causing the issue.
The turn signal switch itself may be faulty or have internal corrosion. If all else fails, you might consider replacing the turn signal switch.
If you can isolate the problem to one of these areas, it should lead you closer to a solution. Keep us updated on your progress! Good luck!
X2 on checking the ground wires for oxidation or frayed/damaged wiring which are attached on either side of the radiator support.
OUR BIGGEST EMPLOYER WOULD HAVE TO BE THE NUCLEAR PLANT NOW A DAYS I WORK At a jeep dealership as a service advisor over in fulton thanks for the info when i get done with work today going to put on a lift and see what i can see..
With an open ground on the lighting what happens is a backfeed through the filaments of the lamps that share the same ground path causing them to illuminate dimly as it is now a series circuit. To test this, temporarily wedge a piece of wire between the bulb base and the tail light socket and attach the other end to a good ground. If everything works now it's just a matter of tracing the ground to where it failed.
Here's a crude drawing
Here's a crude drawing
Thanks you guys for all your help. upon inspection my grounds looked great but i also noticed my driverside headlight a bit dim. i took the ground off the passenger side radiator support cleaned it all up. I then removed the ground wire completly to my passenger side running lights and ran a new ground. all is well is rustville.. With that out of the way i have a thermostat code , which i orderd a housing and new thermostat. i also have a small evap leak that im going to need to chase.
Thank you so much for your assistance. I could not locate fault in the ground but was very confident that was were my issue was. I went ahead and elimanated the old ground wire and ran a new. lights are now on and we are on to the next battle
AaronPaul
TJ Enthusiast
As others have said, grounding issue. It seems like you're facing an electrical issue with the right-side marker lights and blinker. Since both the side marker lights and the blinker are part of the same circuit, the problem is likely related to a faulty connection, ground issue, or a problem with the switch.
Inspect the ground wire by tracing it from the right side marker and blinker to the grounding point. Make sure the connection is clean, secure, and free from rust or corrosion. Additionally, check the common ground for other lights on that side of the vehicle, as it could be impacting the circuit.
Inspect the ground wire by tracing it from the right side marker and blinker to the grounding point. Make sure the connection is clean, secure, and free from rust or corrosion. Additionally, check the common ground for other lights on that side of the vehicle, as it could be impacting the circuit.
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