Visual checks?
maybe a failed bulb... does the brake light come on?
Also
Make sure the thin metal rubbing strip against the rear brake pedal and microswitch is not twisted or mangled up from being skew.
Mine came adrift / distorted and caused similar to what you say - straightened it up and it's never given cause for concern in the following 5 years use.
But it don't sound good losing half the system.