Land Rover Repair: brake lights, electric probe, minor components

Question
I just bought a 96 disco se7 and since I have only had it for a week, the brake lights decided to go out.  I fiddled around with the fuses under the dash and they looked ok and I looked at the ones in the engine compartment and they were fine.  I then pulled a couple of the bulbs out and they also looked ok.  Could you offer a little advice for me to try before I take it to my mechanic?  Thank you

Answer
Hi Adam,

I would carefully examine the bulbholder and wiring to look for corrosion and a possible short.  Its also possible the wiring behind the brake pedal could be shorting out.  I've had to replace the bulbholder for the brakes on the driver's side.  I found an aftermarket replacement for a few bucks and it worked fine.

Recently, I had to have LR replace an entire wiring harness for the passenger rear lights.  Again, corrosion had set in and ruined the bulbholders and some wire.  

If you have a auto electric probe, test the wires leading into the brake light while a helper applies the brakes.  If you have voltage, its the bulb or bulbholder.  

Its common for older Disco's like ours to have electrical problems like this.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  most of the major components have fuses in the engine compartment.  The minor components, which include lights, are found inside the Disco footwell.