Lighting Issues

[crows93z]

Didn't get too much help in general tech, so I'm reposting here. So for a while my blinkers haven't worked. I've ruled out the switch though... I can manually operate them by clicking up/down on the switch for each flash, but when clicked into position, they just stay solid instead of flashing. Hazard lights flash fine. All fuses are good. Any thoughts? A buddy said that maybe some water got into one of the signal lights and messed with it... but wouldn't that make it impossible for them to flash at all?

Also, brake lights. They work when none of my headlamps/parking lights are on. When I turn them on, they don't illuminate... need some thoughts on this as well. Fuses are all fine.. do I just have wiring issues out the ass? At the same time my transmission temperature gauge stopped working.. the light will illuminate but no temperature signal. Odd thing is when I accidentally broke an O2 sensor and the SES light came on, so did my trans temp gauge. I'm having a nightmare just trying to pinpoint the problem, in addition to the fact that I don't know much about automotive wiring at all.. help if you can.

Much appreciated.

[Fastbird]

Have you put in a new flasher for the turn signals? That's my first guess there.

For the brake lights.....and this could fix everything.....you might need new sockets. Had similar issues to you about 12 years ago when I bought my black 93 ta. Dealership diagnosed down to bad light sockets for the brake lights and it was whacking out my turn signals too. You should be able to find new sockets at a big box store for pretty cheap. I'd do this first and see if the fixed brake lights fixes all.

[Fastbird]

Have you put in a new flasher for the turn signals? That's my first guess there.

For the brake lights.....and this could fix everything.....you might need new sockets. Had similar issues to you about 12 years ago when I bought my black 93 ta. Dealership diagnosed down to bad light sockets for the brake lights and it was whacking out my turn signals too. You should be able to find new sockets at a big box store for pretty cheap. I'd do this first and see if the fixed brake lights fixes all.

[firebird_1995]

+1 on the sockets. I had moisture get in mine and rust the bulbs in on my t/a. Rusted the contacts together between the brake and parking light circuit. Previous owner had the parking lights wired into the headlight circuit so it caused my headlights to pop up when I hit the brakes! No kidding!!

Also, if a bulb goes bad it will cause the blinker to stay on solid.

[crows93z]

I guess I'll check 'em. Thanks for the insight. Could I use a multimeter or something to rule it out? What kind of voltage and what wires or whatever would I have to check? Again, sorry to sound like an idiot... I don't know much about wiring.. lol

Also, if the signal bulb is bad, why would it illuminate at all? Just curious. I need a new switch (have since I owned the car for 6 years) for the brights regardless so I'll probably pick one up too.

[firebird_1995]

Im not sure about the camaros but on the firebirds the tail/signal lights are dual element bulbs. If one element is burnt out the other one will still illuminate. Easiest thing to check first is if the sockets are rusted. You'll know they are if you can't get the bulbs out :)

[crows93z]

Well that was a real good idea on GM's part lol. thanks for the help.

[crows93z]

Bringing back this thread.. I need to get an inspection soon.

I replaced the turn signal flasher. The blinkers flash by themselves now... easy fix. Problem is that they still don't show up on the rears with the parking lights or headlights on. Same for the two side brake lights. Only the third brake light illuminates with the parking or headlights on. All of them work with the parking/headlights off.

Anyone have any ideas? Could it be an issue with the switch activated with the brake pedal?

[Ryan Stout]

I doubt it's the pedal, they use 1 wire to the rear harness and then split off for each light. My guess is the connectors also. Wouldn't be a bad idea at all to check your grounds though.

[crows93z]

Where are the grounds located? Again, I'm a total wiring noob... is there a wiring diagram somewhere? I'm not sure if the 93's are wired any differently.

[Ryan Stout]

On mine the ground for the rear lights is inside the hatch by the latch. But I modded my harness for the 97+ tails, can't remember if I relocated it or not. Try shbox.com, I'd bet he has it on his site.

[Ryan Stout]

double post