Another 3rd brake light problem
 

I've searched the forum for 3rd brake light problems but no one has the same situation as I do...here are the details.

- 1998 4Runner SR5 V6
- 152,000+ miles

- Rear dome light WILL turn on when the liftgate is opened or as I am swinging it up BUT as it goes all the way up, the dome light will turn off.

- So then I also noticed that my 3rd brake light was out. So I replaced the bulb, which I noticed WAS NOT busted...but this time the DOOR AJAR light on the dash stays on. When I step on the brakes the DOOR AJAR light goes out.

- I put the old 3rd brake light back and NO ISSUES with the DOOR AJAR light.

- I put the new one back in and the DOOR AJAR light stays on again.

- Then I tried wiggling the conduit, and the wires, that go out of the body and into the liftgate...it's located in the rear of the 4Runner close to the 3rd brake light....and finally got the DOOR AJAR light to turn off. BUT NOW, it does not turn on even if the liftgate is open. It still works properly when the doors are opened.

- I'm waiting for the temps to warm up a bit before I investigate further but was thinking that maybe somebody in this forum has had the same problem.

Thanks for any help or assistance.

how cold is it where you are? there is a sensor in the latch as i have read in other posts. my problem was that the light would not go on and it would not indicate that a door was open as i guess the sensor was frozen up (very cold temps) now as it is warmer the problem is gone. for the third brakelight you mean it just doesnt come on when you hit the brakes right? it isnt a running light..you didnt specify so im just making sure.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...t=latch+sensor