I'm getting ready to fix (finally) the floppy inside tailgate panel on my 92 745 with kit from IPD, but first need to solve an odd electrical problem that occurs about 60% of the time I shut the tailgate -- presumably related to the loose panel...

The gremlin(s) in this case involve (1) the center brake light and (2) the rear wiper. On most occasions, the center brake light just doesn't light up when I press the break pedal (regular brake lights work fine). I can usually correct this by opening and shutting the tailgate a few times. The rear wiper works ok much of the time.

However, on other occasions, the center brake light comes on upon closing the tailgate, and then goes off when I depress the brake pedal. This second behavior seems to occur in conjunction with a slow or non-moving rear wiper: that is, when I engage the rear wiper and it acts up, the "reverse" center brake light phenom happens, and vice versa.

More opening and shutting of the tailgate, with associated panel flopping, may or may not solve the problem, at least til the next time I have to open the back.

Probable cause = jostled wiring & wiper motor? Anyway, I'd like to get this know what to look for and attend to in the way of repair while I have the inside panel off, and before I've reattached it more securely.

Thanks in advance for any advice!