240 hatch brake lights not working

[adler]

the interior lights and daytime lights come on in the rear but when I press the brake pedal they don't get any brighter. what's causing this? brake light switch?

[Hijacker]

If they're not coming on at all, check fuses (the parking light function of the brake lights is a different circuit than the stop lamp function). If they're pretty bright as is and they don't get any brighter, check the pedal assembly. There's a plastic stopper on the pedal's lever arm that activates the switch. After 20 years, it can degrade, leaving the switch always on.

[adler]

It's not that they always stay on, it's that when I press the brake pedal the brake lights do not illuminate. Fuses are good. The rear running lights come on when I turn on my headlights but still no braking illumination

[Hijacker]

Check for a harness rub through in the hatch area, then. Could be that you're getting a short in the system that's just bleeding back to the chassis when you depress the brake pedal. Also, and this might come across as really simple, make sure the stop lamp switch on the brake pedal is plugged in and getting a 12v supply. If you don't find a rub through in the harness, you can eliminate the switch by jumping the plug. If you get brake lights, replace the switch.

[adler]

Okay, good idea. Can I jump the plug with a paper clip or something? thanks

[Hijacker]

I'd use something with some shielding since that circuit recieves battery voltage directly. But a paperclip could work

[adler]

just an update jumping it with a paperclip worked so i ordered a new switch thanks for your help

[adler]

seems like a stupid question but how the f*ck do I get the switch out of there? I can't get any sort of wrench around or behind the thing at all