RaegingZ32

I have a 1990 Z32 and I know what you're thinking by the title, that it's the brake light switch. But it's not, not unless the parts store sold me a defective switch (which I know is fairly common.) So let me tell you my issue, the brake lights in the tail lights aren't coming on even though the third mounted brake light on the hatch back does. Now I've had the car a while so and they used to work just fine so I know the bulbs I have in are the correct ones. But I replaced the brake light switch and I'm still having the same issue. The running lights and blinkers all work just fine, just not the brake lights in the tail lights. Can someone give me some idea as to what it could be, is there another switch or sensor that I'm missing? I've checked all the fuses under the hood and under the dash and I didn't see any specific fuses for the brake lights. I'm pretty sure there's a problem with the wiring but I looked at all the leads going to the tail lights and nothing stands out. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

ken99

The working Dole light indicates the brake light switch is working as designed. Have you had work done on the back of the car? I suggest you start with the basics. Pull the socket assemblies and use a meter to check for voltage on hot side of the bulb sockets and also check for connectivity on the ground side. That will tell you which side of the circuit you need to trace back on. I suspect there is a common ground wire on the brake lights that has come loose. Obtaining a copy of the FSM electrical schematics will help you with tracing the circuits through the car.

RaegingZ32

Thanks! There's been no accident or work done in the rear area of the car and I checked what grounds I saw but I'll check the sockets next. Is it possible for the tail light sockets to work with out full connectivity on the hot side or the ground?

ken99

No. The wire harness for the brake lights, including ground wires, are likely hiding under the rear interior panel.

RaegingZ32

I've looked at all the wires behind the rear panel, including the ground and it all looks good...I'm still not able to figure it out=\

Rupe

Are you talking about the "taillight sensor"? Located near the passenger side taillights. My taillights wouldn't turn on but my brake lights were working, all bulbs were fine. I took that little box apart and one of the fuses was busted inside so I replaced it and everything works now.

ken99

A blown fuse in this box is the likely culprit. I always assumed the Dole circuit fed from this sensor box as well as the standard brake lights. The Z32 circuit diagram indicates the Dole light gets voltage directly from the brake light switch. A blown fuse in the sensor box would kill the rear brake lights, but not affect the Dole light. Good suggestion by Rupe.

Ascastlat

pull it and have it tested