3rd Gen Toyota 4runner, fix 3rd brake light / hatch tailgate wiring (1996-2002)

The 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner is notorious for this wiring issue where over time the wires fray and rip on the tailgate. This holds true for 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002.
Watch this video if you are having an issue with your 4runner rear hatch wiring, tailgate wiring, tail lights, brake lights, or 3rd brake light.
All you need to fix this issue is either:
1. A bulb (I used a 921 LED: amzn.to/476u7v9
2. Fuses: amzn.to/3vdvhro
3. Fix wiring using basic wire connectors: amzn.to/484jtGI
4. Wiring tool: amzn.to/3teMksQ
This can affect the 3rd brake light OR the brake lights/tail lights and turn signals.

[@corey6882]

Thank you! It was hugely helpful in my own diagnosis. Turns out the "safety pulse" box burnt out and took the whole light with it. Leaving this comment in case it helps others!

[@taketheleap]

nice. thanks! whats the safety pulse box? Just curious.

[@corey6882]

@@taketheleap It’s a little black box that’s tucked into the frame under the cover where the trunk dome light sits. I remember the tail light blinking when it was new. Anyway I unplugged the power quick connect and bypassed it to the same wire you show to go directly to the tail light. Wild times (I’m no mechanic nor electrical guy!)

[@taketheleap]

@@corey6882 nice! me either hah

[@jodynelson6493]

Thanks man mine looked exactly like yours you saved me a ton of time!

[@taketheleap]

Awesome

[@sethwright8754]

This was very helpful!

[@taketheleap]

Had to give back haha. So many ppl make videos and tutorials on fixing stuff. Couldn’t find info on this one so it was my time!

[@user-sy3ic2wo2q]

This worked perfectly! Thank you. Fixed the problem.

[@taketheleap]

Nice - great to hear!

[@dennishaugland2475]

Thank you for your time looking for this fix and making a video on how to fix it. Saved me a ton of time. Fixed!

[@taketheleap]

Yo that's awesome! Yeah I couldnt find a good video on this so I made one. I knew this was sort of a weird engineering design flaw that others faced. Glad I could help!

[@taketheleap]

All you need to fix this issue is either: 1. A bulb (I used a 921 LED: amzn.to/3TTrOFp 2. Fuses: amzn.to/3Xgvi7z 3. Fix wiring using basic wire connectors: amzn.to/3hUeGlY