Brake lights + defrost electrical short (searched)

[gripster]

I did a search, and the closest was sexpanda's electrical problem from a year ago.


1989 hatch without rear wiper.

When I press the brake pedal, the defrost button light turns on.

With defroster on, and I hit the brakes, it blows out the fuse = no brake lights.

Also, my third brake light does not work (new bulbs). But my defroster works, so I don't think its the wire harness between hatch and top of the car.

So I need zilvians' expertise to point me in the right direction for the location of the electrical short.

Thanks.

[projectRDM]

Problem has to be in the hatch subharness. Unplug it at the body side to make sure, then remove and repair it as needed. It's probably right where the grommet is, where the harness must move with the hatch as it's opened.