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This situation comes up about 6 times a year on the IML -
you can find many discussions in the archive. Most likely, the failure is
in your turn signal switch.
If you study the wiring diagram in the FSM, you can see
where to probe with your meter or test light to prove this to yourself.
The 12 volts from the brake light switch is routed through
the turn signal switch to direct it to the rear light sockets, because the turn
signals share the same filaments in the bulbs - the brake light current has to
be interrupted by the turn signal switch when you are signalling for a turn at
the same time you are stepping on the brakes.
When the turn signal switch becomes worn, it usually
starts to interrupt the brake light signal even when you are NOT signalling for
a turn.
Sometimes, you can make the problem go
away (momentarily) by wiggling the turn signal switch. Have someone
stand behind the car (or back up to a wall where you can see the red glow) and
wiggle the TS switch while you press on the brake pedal - you may be
able to find a position of the handle where the brake lights work -
if this is the case, start searching for a replacement turn signal
switch.
Dick Benjamin
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