Brake light issue

[kamotors]

so basically the last car i built has issues were the brake lights do not turn on ever. all other lights in the tail light function but not the brake light.

Replaced-check panel,fuses,bulbs, pedal switch and even the diode pack in the trunk and nothing.

check panel shows brake lights out but I cant figure out where the issue is.

any ideas of what it could be?

[Ceeker]

did you test for power to the brake light socket. also, are you getting the 3rd light to work?

[kamotors]

its an 85 with no 3rd brake light I switched tail lights from a known working car and still nothing. Guessing it doesnt get power to the light socket, but have not tested.

[jlevie]

Using the wiring diagrams from http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm, trace the circuit with a test light or meter to find the problem.

[kamotors]

any known areas that I missed when I replaced things. This happened randomly.

Replaced-check panel,fuses,bulbs, pedal switch, tail lights and the diode pack in the trunk. what else is there besides just the lengths of wire?

[jlevie]

Apparently power isn't reaching the brake lights. Start at fuse 6 and see where the break in the circuit is.

[Cephas]

Is there rust on the drivers side rocker? All the rear lights are routed through a wiring harness there and if they get corroded you'll have no more rear lights.

My brake lights on my first e30 went out with the same issues you're having and this ended up being the cause. Had to repair the harness and all was well.

[kamotors]

car is rust free, I'll start tracing things back today or tomorrow.

[millsamus]

car is rust free, I'll start tracing things back today or tomorrow.

Ever found the source of your problem? My 3ed brake light also does not work. tested it, yes 12v coming out of it when brakes are applied.

[kamotors]

it was the cruise control switch on the clutch pedal causing some sort of issue, unplugged that and everything fixed.

[millsamus]

it was the cruise control switch on the clutch pedal causing some sort of issue, unplugged that and everything fixed.

Thanks, I'll give that a whirl once it stops snowing!!