If the turn signal and brake light share a bulb, the turn signal switch can be the point of failure.
The rear lighting module assembly on each side of the van has 3 bulbs mounted vertically. Top bulb is dual filament and provides tail lamp and stop lamp on each filament. The center bulb is dual filament and provides tail lamp and turn signal / hazard flasher function. Bottom bulb provides back up illumination with the transmission selector in reverse. So the turn signal and brake lamp function are NOT shared by the same bulb as is common on other vehicles.That's interesting since the turn signals work perfectly. Grrrr.
Did you figure this out JD??Greetings all. Brake lights on the sides are not coming on, but the center brake light under the window still comes on. I have checked both bulbs and run current to them and all of the filaments light up..I cleaned off the little brass nubs on the bulb housing. Checked the fuse and it was good. Any ideas? Internal hatchback door wiring coming loose? Left side was working earlier today. I'm not too knowledgable about working on these cars, but can take apart an old VW bug from stem to stern without too much trouble! Any insight regarding this issue appreciated.