None of the break lights work (left, right and the one in the rear window)

NASHPARROT

MEMBER
1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
90,000 MILES

I bought a 91 Passat from a guy for my son. He had dismantled the entire dashboard because the heater core was leaking. He didn't mark anything. I was able to get humpty dumpty back toghether for the most part, and everything seems to be running, except for the break lights. I still have a few lose wire connections (female recepticals mostly) to identify where they go. So, I'm not sure if it's a fuse issue, one of these wires that has no home yet, or something more major.

Took a few shots of the fuse box (which i'm trying to figure out how to reattach) with the wires without a home, plus two other components I'm trying to attach, one with a wire connector that I can't find a location for.

Images (Click to make bigger)

1 Reply

EXOVCDS

MECHANIC
1,883 POSTS

The fuse box hooks in at the bottom and then tilts up. There are white locking tabs on either side.

There will be single wires w/connectors that have no home, these are wires / plugs that are used in different applications.

Brown wires are usually ground, the one you have pictured, probably plugs in at the body panel gorund junction to the left of the fuse
box. If it doesn't look like it fits anywhere, leave it.

The brake light switch has 2 wires. Bridge the wires and the lights should come on. If no, check for power on one of them. You might just need a new
switch.

The big box in the third picture is probably the cruise control module. I'm pulling a blank on the two relays. Both items should be behind / under the radio
on the cross member. Following the wires to where they originate (if possible) might tell you what they are for.

Sorry for the lack of info. I'm sure an Expert will be able to assist more.

Thomas