Strange Electrical problem 1997 Corolla CE

[smharr4]

I have a puzzling problem with my 1997 Toyota Corolla CE with 142,000 miles.

With the engine off, key not in the ignition, and driver's door open the 'lights on' alarm sounds when I push on the brake pedal, and I can see (only just though) the lights behind the speedometer glowing, and the running lights on the back light up, but not the second filament (like you'd expect when pushing the brake pedal).

The lights also come on when I turn the running lights on, but none of the brake lights come on when I push on the brake pedal regardless of whether or not the engine is on. Needless to say, I can't drive the car without brake lights.

Has anyone encountered this strange electrical problem before? where would I start diagnosing this electrical problem?

[Burger_AE102]

No idea man! sounds crazy.
For diagnosis: maybe have a fish around behind the dash, in the fuse box's and any other place you can get access with a multi meter. I'd be looking for a shorting wire, maybe in the steering column.

[caddymac]

Are your brake lights installed correct?

[smharr4]

Originally Posted by caddymac

Are your brake lights installed correct?

The lights all seem to be in correctly, yes - when it stops raining I'll disassemble the lens housing and clean the contacts to see if that helps though.