1. Verify your "fix":
* Thorough visual inspection: Carefully re-examine the area you believe was shorted. Look for:
* Chafed wires: Any bare wires touching metal?
* Damaged wiring insulation: Look for cracks or melted insulation near the brake light sockets or anywhere along the wiring harness.
* Corrosion: Check for corrosion on terminals, connectors, and sockets. Clean them with a wire brush and electrical contact cleaner.
* Loose connections: Make sure all connectors are securely attached. Wiggle them to ensure they are firmly seated.
* Test the repaired area: Use a multimeter to check for continuity (a short) where you made the repair. You should *not* have continuity between the hot wire and ground.
2. Isolate the short:
Since the fuse continues to blow, the problem hasn't been solved. You need to systematically pinpoint the short circuit:
* Use a test light: With the brake pedal depressed, use a test light to trace the brake light circuit from the fuse box to the tail lights. Start at the fuse and work your way back. If the test light illuminates unexpectedly, that indicates the short.
* Check each brake light individually: Disconnect one brake light completely. If the fuse no longer blows, the short is in that light assembly. If the fuse still blows, move to the next one. This helps isolate whether the problem is in the left, right, or both tail lights.
* Check the wiring harness: Carefully examine the wiring harness for damage, especially near bends and sharp edges where it might be rubbing against metal. This is a common point of failure.
* Inspect the brake light switch: The brake light switch itself can be faulty and cause a short. It might be sticking or internally shorted. A simple test for this is to check for continuity across its terminals with the pedal depressed and not depressed. Be careful when testing this switch!
3. Advanced Troubleshooting (If Necessary):
* Use a multimeter (with the fuse removed!): Check for continuity (a short circuit) between the power wire and ground at various points in the circuit. Be systematic and careful.
* Consult a wiring diagram: A wiring diagram for your 1995 Chevy Caprice Classic will show the exact path of the brake light circuit, aiding in troubleshooting. You can find these online (often in PDF form on repair manuals websites).
* Consider professional help: If you're still unable to find the short, it's time to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic. Persistent shorts can be tricky and might involve hidden or difficult-to-reach areas.
Important Safety Note: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on the electrical system. Improper handling can lead to injury or damage to your vehicle. Use caution when working with electricity.
