no brake lights... or just the passenger side

[mrrolleyes]

car is a 76 911s.

i found out today my brake lights do not work at all.

fuse is good, bulbs are good.
i tested the switch with a multimeter and that works also.

if i turn the key on, and short the 2 wires, i will get a brake light on the passenger side only. only when i short it. otherwise nothing at all

i did pull the tab where the bulb makes contact to ensure its hitting the bulb.

wiring gurus, where do i dig next.

side note. i know my front brake sensor is shot but its been like that for a long time with no issues. i have the red light special on the dash.