Fuse 46. where's the short?

[1trkmind]

I read some posts on this topic and tried what I could. Before I start buying parts I wanted to run it by you guys. I'll preface this by saying "I'm NOT mechanically gifted". I keep blowing fuse #46. At first it was sporadic, now it happens every time I press the brake pedal. I unplugged all of the clips to all of the tail lights (even the 3rd one) I examined the housings tail light unit, the housing of the bulbs, and looked at the wires, I don't see anything suspicious. Even with everything detached as soon as I press the brake pedal it blows.

This 1996 318ti Cali was a turned into a drifting car. Swapped with the inline6 m52 engine. 5sp manual. In the engine bay there was a lot of wires that are for the front lower lights just kind of dangling. Whoever did the work didn't finish it all. I taped up and secured them hoping it would help. It didn't. (this was before it started blowing every time I press the brake pedal) I'm thinking I need a new brake light switch. Is there anywhere else I should look before I pay to have this done? Thanks in advance.

[familytruckster]

Check the harness from the front to back...

if you search around you can find the wiring manual online.

[Bluebimma]

Its the tails, trust me. Anyone who blows it can usually vouche that the tail lights cause the issue. It usually causes sporadic gas readings and if im not mistaken, the coolant temperature as well. There is something touching the metal lines on the lights or there is a wire that has been severed back there.

[1trkmind]

Ok. I'm going to try to follow the wires.

bluebimmer- When you say "There is something touching the metal lines". Can you explain that a little more for me?
I pulled out the tail light harness/bracket/housing and unplugged it thinking it would eliminate that section and the tail lights as the culprit. Is that thinking wrong?

[1trkmind]

I took apart under the steering wheel and the entire rear bumper inside panel, I didn't see any bad wires or connections. However, when I put a new fuse in it held. 70 miles and counting. So I must have jiggled something just right in there. Thanks for your help guys. Now on to the stuck cali roof