My 1994 E320 has a maddening gremlin in the tail lamps.

It began with the passenger-side side marker light. No matter what I do, I can't get the thing to illuminate. I disemboweled the passenger-side lamp, cleaned and tightened the fixtures, etc. No luck. However, the main tail light on the passenger side (same size) works fine.

So, trying to outsmart the system, I disconnected the green-and-white side-marker light wire, then ran a jumper wire from the green-and-black wire to main tail light terminal -- and got both bulbs working. Or so I thought.

Everything works fine until I step on the brakes. As soon as I do, the main tail light bulb on the DRIVER's side goes out -- and stays out. The dashboard warning light comes on, too. Meanwhile, my jumper-wired lights continue working fine. So do the brake lights and all the other exterior lamps.

Anyone have a suggestion? I need to pass state inspection in a couple of days ...

Thanks!