Having trouble with my brake lights. The 3rd light in the back window works just fine.

The brake lights down low don't work, but the bulbs aren't burnt out. The tail lights work fine ( I think ). Are both red lights on each side supposed to be on when the tail lights are on? If not, then something is definitely wrong.

I've tried replacing the bulbs, but that did not work. Also, when I put in the bulb connectors and turn them all the way tight, the brake/tail light does not come on, but when I put it in and turn it all the way tight, the light does not come on. I actually have to twist the socket only half way for the light to come on.

Not really sure what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Which lights do what depends on the year. For instance, on an 89 245, the bottom lens does double duty as the taillights and brake lights. The top lights are rear fog lights only and normally NEVER burn. Back up to a wall at night and check this yourself by tapping the brake lights w/ park/head lights off. Then, make certain the tails are working in a similar manner. The intermittent connectors are a known pita. I generally buy new aftermarket lenses and then run LED equivalents. Heat build up tends to melt the plastic of the housings and makes the bulb connectors tilt and lose contact.