D1 Brake Lights not working - suggestions welcome!

[MotoBando]

Vehicle: '97 D1 XD
Symptom: Some brake lights work, some do not. The brake lights on either side of the rear door do not work. The one on top of the rear door does work, as do the brake lights on a trailer when hooked up.

Attempted fixes:
I checked the bulbs - they are fine
I replaced the brake switch (and adjusted the plunger to fit the pedal)
I disconnected the trailer harness from inside the vehicle - still nothing
I wiggled around the wires on either side while watching for signs of life...nothing.

My thoughts are maybe a bad ground somewhere. Anyone else run into this kind of problem? I searched around and came up with no more clues.

Edit: my dash lights have been out too. Not the speedo / tach area, but in the center of the dash - temp controls, etc.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Brian

 

[fishEH]

Try cleaning up the contacts where the bulbs connect. Also use a test light to verify you have power to the contacts. Corrosion happens back there and the point of the test light should be able to scratch through it.

 

[MotoBando]

FishEH, thanks for the suggestion. I just tried that along with a multimeter on both sides and still no juice.

 

[Doug18]

Do your bumper lights work if you have them? on my '95 the taillight contacts were badly gunked up so only the running lights worked but the bumper lights still worked for turn/brake If those are still working id still agree with Fisheh and say they need a good cleaning could also try rubbing some lithium grease around them if you have any

 

[ChristopherP]

Do you have a trailer plug? Had this issue several years ago trailer plug was filled with mud and crude and was shorting out. Worth a look.

 

[D Chapman]

There is a fuse for each side if I remember correctly.

 

[Mongo]

Also check the grounds by the lights...

 

[kennith]

How did you check the bulbs? Continuity and visual inspections aren't enough. These things can fool you and have you chasing ghosts, as stupid as it might sound. You've got to light them up to be sure.

I had one that looked good and would pass current, but wouldn't illuminate just a few weeks ago.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[MotoBando]

I will re-check the bulbs - couldn't hurt! Also taking apart the interior near the back to find the grounds.