H3 H3 Tail Lamp Turn Signal Brake Light Issue

[jryanantczak]

have a 2008 H3 Base L5 and am experiencing issues with the right tail lamp assembly. The tail lamps and backup lamps work normally on both sides works, but the turn signal and brake lamp on the right side do not. Left tail lamp assembly works normally in all functions (tail lamp, brake lamp, turn signal). The bulbs have been replaced, as has the pigtail connector wiring harness connector for the tail lamp. I've traced the wiring harness up the passenger side of the vehicle back to the BCM and there is no visible damage, pinching, exposed wiring, or shorts to ground.

I have swapped out the multi-function assembly on the steering column with an OEM unit. I have gone through the fusebox under the hood with a fine tooth comb, verifying that each and every fuse is intact.

I've even gone so far as to "jump" the wiring from the left lamp to supply the right lamp assembly. I am able to get brake lights then, but the brake lights then stay on until I disconnect the battery from the vehicle, so this clearly will not be a permanent solution. I've also tried running a dedicated wire from the front right turn signal to the right rear tail lamp assembly, but cannot get the turn signal to function still.

The whole thing began when I noticed the "fast flashing" turn signal arrow on my instrument cluster, which 99% of the time is simply a blown bulb.

HELP PLEASE!!!

 

[alrock]

People have had issues with brake pedal switch causing issues but I don't know if the symptoms are a match.

 

[f5moab]

Brake switch sends a signal to the EBCM, PCM and BCM. And the turn signal switch just sends a signal to the BCM to apply the brakes or blink the same bulb on whichever side of the vehicle the lever switch is in. The bulb does three jobs, park/brake and turn using the same circuit out of the BCM for the stop/turn (park is a different circuit. The BCM determines where to apply the light or blink the light. So if the brake and turn does not work for a particular side of the vehicle, and the other functions (park and backup) in that assembly work it sound like the bulb (one of the filaments is burned) is bad, the circuit wiring (including connectors) has a problem or the BCM is screwed up.
One place to check really close is the socket that the bulb goes into. I believe it is possible to insert the bulb incorrectly if forced, and the connector is know to not make good contact. Had that problem myself.

 

[jryanantczak]

Thank you f5moab... I'd say its safe to rule out that the socket is not the issue, being that I've replaced that tail lamp wiring harness from the quick connect in the right rear quarter to the tail lamp assembly. I have tried different bulbs and have also tried reversing the bulbs (flipping them over).

 

[akedo]

Thank you f5moab... I'd say its safe to rule out that the socket is not the issue, being that I've replaced that tail lamp wiring harness from the quick connect in the right rear quarter to the tail lamp assembly. I have tried different bulbs and have also tried reversing the bulbs (flipping them over).

So.. I Know this is an Old thread.. but.. did anyone ever find a resolution to this? I have the Exact Same Issue..

 

[Jeepwalker]

Were they LED bulbs btw?? They don't always play well. There are some newer truck forums I participate in, and guys explain about their bulb problems and then only after several back/fourth exchanges they remember, "Oh, BTW, ...I forgot to mention, they're LED bulbs".

 

[akedo]

Were they LED bulbs btw?? They don't always play well. There are some newer truck forums I participate in, and guys explain about their bulb problems and then after sever exchanges they say, "Oh, BTW, ...I forgot to mention, they're LED bulbs".

For me..no.. just regular bulbs.. hoping it's not a bcm issue..

 

[Jeepwalker]

Does your truck have a receiver hitch?

Also. A real common issue on these H3's is the plastic wire jacket on the rear taillight harness would rub through as it is located *just* above the rear bumper. I've read several posts about it over the years, esp when these were more common. Haven't read any in a while. Mine were rubbed through and took me some effort to fix. Check carefully about halfway between the L. side & center ...above the rear bumper. About half way on the L side. That's where it seemed to be worse.

 

[akedo]

Will pass this on to the mechanic.. we are probably looking at it tomorrow or sunday.. will come back and update.. thank you!