What's up with my brake lights?

[Bigbohr]

When I press the brake pedal the brake lights don't go on but instead the red light on the left dash dial goes on and both the RPM and gas level indicator drop immediately to zero. When I release the brake, RPM and gas level indicator go back to normal. The car seems to brake as usual.

Not sure what's going on. Since the car has sealant around the taillight lenses to prevent water seeping in I don't want to get the lights off just to check whether the bulbs are bad. Does any of you gearheads have an idea what's going on?

FYI, went recently to a mechanic and he took out something on the electrical panel (don't know what though) to test the battery. The starter still went on but the engine wouldn't start up. He put the thing back and evrything seemed back normal. Did he put it back wrong?

Thanks!

[URY914]

Check the fuses under the dash on the driver's side. Make sure there is no buildup of crud on the contacts.
That would be the first thing to check.

Paul

[Bigbohr]

All fuses are intact and contacts look clean.

[URY914]

Next, check the relays on the circuit board in the engine compartment.

[Tidybuoy]

Replace the 4th from the right fuse (under the dash). Whether of not it's blown.

This is a very common problem with the 914 & happens to me about once a year.

Vern

[Bigbohr]

I changed the 4th fuse from the right and brake lights are working. Problem solved!
Thanks a lot to all for your help.