Brake lights

[Eggert]

Originally Posted by trader4

I'd try piercing the wire just before the connector, see if there
is voltage there. That would determine if the problem is a bad
connection at the connector.

Excellent idea! I'll check it out and post back.

[Eggert]

Originally Posted by trader4

I also presume you're sure have the right connector pin and wire?
Wire is the right color, as determined from Bentley or similar? I guess
you could also figure it out by process of elimination. It's probably the
same color wire as on the other side too.

It was obvious which one was ground, and two out of the three remaining pins gave electrical current when supposed to (turn signal, daylights). Fourth wire was dead.

[jdstrickland]

The BRN wire is ground.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Eggert

Thanks for your willingness to help jd.

But when I unplug the taillight and measure current from the 4 pin plug, (one ground and 3x + for each light; daylight, turn signal and brake light), I only get positive current for the turn signal and daylight. None for the brake light. So logic tells me it has to be something other than the taillight itself, right?

Did you have someone step on the brake pedal when you performed this test? Current is only present if the brakes are actuated.

[Eggert]

Yes, I did. This issue is still unresolved and I strongly suspect the brake light wire (somewhere) to be damaged...

[upallnight]

There are tools available that will allow you to trace a wire to determine the location of the break. It sends a tone signal through the wire and you have a receiver that can pickup the tone. If you are not a professional mechanic or not a hobbyist car guy, it would probably be cheaper to take it in and have a technician locate and repair the broken wire rather than spend the money on the tool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0HjaR0tj7Q

[StephenVA]

There is A common issue of the wires in the rubber boot between the body and the tail gate being pinched and fraying. Pull off the boot (actually pull it down) and check to see the condition the wires are in.
This maybe the source of the issues.

Common on those vehicles where the trunk is opened and closed a LOT.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

There is A common issue of the wires in the rubber boot between the body and the tail gate being pinched and fraying. Pull off the boot (actually pull it down) and check to see the condition the wires are in.
This maybe the source of the issues.

Common on those vehicles where the trunk is opened and closed a LOT.

I thought the brake lights were located in the rear quarter panel of the car and not the tailgate. Only lights that I am aware of in the tailgate is the backup lights and if you have it the rear fog lights.

[StephenVA]

I am not certain on the wiring path for our tail lights as to whether or not the hatch wiring is in the loop or not. You are correct that the hatch only has the third light (Eye level third brake light -ELTBL) and reflectors in the USA.