Parking Light Mystery

[Jbuxny35]

Hi everybody, long time lurker first time poster.

I've got a 2002 TJ with a mystery malfunction. The passenger side parking lights, both front and side do not work. The dash is showing a steady right turn signal as if a bulb is out. I've already replaced the bulbs, cleaned all of the connectors in both lamps, cleaned the ground on top of the headlights (including the other side just in case) and nothing. When I check voltage with the meter it shows voltage going to the connectors but nothing is lighting up when the parking lights are on. The turn signal works but hyperflashes (no LED bulbs). I've cleaned the tail light connectors too with no luck. If I jiggle the turn signal switch just a hair up, the parking lights come on and the error light goes away. Is this a turn signal switch problem or am I missing something? Thanks

 

[Paparock1]

Hello and welcome,

Light needs a power and ground. What I would start with is a simple test light and remove each bulb and and see if you are actually getting power to the connector. Mark each connector power wire then I would check for continuity through the ground. I would guess you have a grounding issue since it is the entire side. I wouldn't know the exact location or where to start besides just follow the wires and see where they lead. Good luck and post back so we can help you troubleshoot.

 

[Jbuxny35]

Hello and welcome,

Light needs a power and ground. What I would start with is a simple test light and remove each bulb and and see if you are actually getting power to the connector. Mark each connector power wire then I would check for continuity through the ground. I would guess you have a grounding issue since it is the entire side. I wouldn't know the exact location or where to start besides just follow the wires and see where they lead. Good luck and post back so we can help you troubleshoot.

Thanks, is there another ground I need to check? I've already cleaned both grounds above the headlights.

 

[Paparock1]

I would look for a common ground somewhere. You are going to have to follow each plugs wire and see where they go.... but first check to make sure your getting voltage to each plug

 

[John Scoggins]

That sounds as if the Multifunction switch in the column is going bad.

 

[Jbuxny35]

That sounds as if the Multifunction switch in the column is going bad.

That's been my thinking. What makes me believe this is if I push up the turn signal switch (as if to put on the turn signal) ever so slightly, the fault goes away, and the parking lights come back on nice and bright. Then again, it also hyperflashes as if a bulb is out, and no bulbs are out. Would it hyperflash if the turn multifunction switch is bad?

 

[John Scoggins]

Would it hyperflash if the turn multifunction switch is bad?

I would think that is possible since the flasher relay plugs into the multifunction switch

 

[Jerry Bransford]

If I jiggle the turn signal switch just a hair up, the parking lights come on and the error light goes away. Is this a turn signal switch problem or am I missing something? Thanks

Yes, that's just a lazy multi-function switch with a weak return spring. Replace it. My '97 TJ did the same thing. It's an easy 5-minute job, you only need a phillips head screwdriver.

 

[astjp2]

the switch is easy to replace, remove facia from below column, remove covers from column, unplug connectors, unscrew switch, revers to reassemble. Tim