brake lights aren't working

[Guest]

My old brake light switch was getting sticky so I replaced it because the check light wouldn't turn off signaling that my brake lights weren't working. I hooked up the new one and it worked so I thought problem solved. I secured it in place and it worked a couple times, but the check light won't turn off again. When the switch isn't pressed in (released), the check light should simply turn off right? It doesn't seem to matter what I do, but the check light just won't turn off, and my brake lights aren't working. I checked and the fuse is fine.

[Mike325]

Sounds like the new switch may not be any good. You say the new switch worked and now it does not? Is it still installed correctly?

[E30 Wagen]

Sounds like the new switch may not be any good. You say the new switch worked and now it does not? Is it still installed correctly?

I'm pretty sure the switch is good. When I hooked up the wires (uninstalled) and turned the key, the check light didn't even come on, and my brakes were lit, which is what it's supposed to do. I installed it and it still worked. Then it just stopped working. No matter how I adjust the length of the switch. I replaced a couple of the bulbs but the rest aren't burnt out. I'm lost.

[fretburnr]

its possible that you got a faulty switch... or there might be a short somewhere.

[E30 Wagen]

If there's a short, where should I look?

[fretburnr]

check your fuses first.

then i'm not sure besides using a multimeter for continuity down each circuit (brake light system first obviously)

[AdamF 88iS]

Basics- have you actually checked the bulbs? Could be coincidence that one burned out right after you got a new switch.

[E30 Wagen]

To answer the mystery, the new brake light switch must be bad. I hooked up the old one, and even though it sticks sometimes I can unstick it to make it work, and viola, the lights work.