No brake lights, but have 12 volts at terminal?

[johnnyb_s]

Here's my problem- both brake lights aren't working on my German spec '91 E36, but I am getting 12 volts to the brake light terminals (checked with digital volt meter).

I pulled out both bulb sockets and soldered seperate wires to them in order to test them out.

When I connect both bulb assemblies to the car battery, they light up. Also, when I splice both bulb assemblies to the rear parking light wires, they light up.

What's odd is that when I attempt to splice directly into the brake light wires the bulbs won't light up, but I am getting just under 12 volts when the brake pedal is pressed in (with engine off) and over 12 volts with engine on. The ground is good as the bulb lights up when a different power source (i.e. parking light wire) is used.

What could be the problem? Am I not getting enough amps? Is there a relay in line with the circuit?

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[witeshark]

Maybe the sockets are bad, corroded contacts.

[johnnyb_s]

I think I found my problem- I jumped out the brake switch and the lights work. I guess the switch has just enough resistance in it to not allow the needed voltage/amperage to arrive at the terminals.

New switch ordered- will update with results.

[drz]

Hopefully this fixes it