taillight problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MandarinSixSeven · 10-02-2003, 10:36 PM

My tail lights were getting old so I decided to go out and buy some new ones, hooked them up. Now the right one when I hit the brakes it only comes on dim, as if the only the headlights were turned on. When I turn on the headlights the same taillight comes on as a steady brakelight, I don't know whats wrong, there are only two wires so you can't really screw that up, the old ones worked, so whats going on?

**truckster** · 10-02-2003, 10:45 PM

If you're sure you have the wires connected right and the bulb wasn't forced in wrong, check the ground. If the ground isn't good, it can lead to symptoms like what you're describing.

MandarinSixSeven · 10-02-2003, 10:51 PM

ok, which ground do you mean? like the one to the frame?

7d14xfun · 10-02-2003, 10:59 PM

Truckster is right.

I had a problem with my stepside taillight on the right being dim during the reassembly process. So what I did is clear all the fresh paint off where the bolts and nuts go on both taillights. On both sides of the bracket I believe. But not enough to make the grinded off paint appear to the eye. It's kinda hard to describe how to do, but look at the way the lights are mounted and you can figure it out.

Once the paint was cleared off those certain areas, I had excellent stop and regular lights.

Hope this helps.

MandarinSixSeven · 10-03-2003, 12:27 PM

Ok thanks, I will have to try that out. I'm guessing that the new taillights are built a bit differently (cheaply) and that's probably why they are doing what they are doing.

tom hand · 10-03-2003, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MandarinSixSeven
I don't know whats wrong, there are only two wires so you can't really screw that up, the old ones worked, so whats going on?

Oh yes you can and it sounds like you did, reverse the two wires and it should work fine.

10-02-2003, 10:36 PM	#1
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	taillight problem My tail lights were getting old so I decided to go out and buy some new ones, hooked them up. Now the right one when I hit the brakes it only comes on dim, as if the only the headlights were turned on. When I turn on the headlights the same taillight comes on as a steady brakelight, I don't know whats wrong, there are only two wires so you can't really screw that up, the old ones worked, so whats going on? __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

10-02-2003, 10:45 PM	#2
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,881	If you're sure you have the wires connected right and the bulb wasn't forced in wrong, check the ground. If the ground isn't good, it can lead to symptoms like what you're describing. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

10-02-2003, 10:51 PM	#3
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	ok, which ground do you mean? like the one to the frame? __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

10-02-2003, 10:59 PM	#4
7d14xfun Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: CT Posts: 93	Truckster is right. I had a problem with my stepside taillight on the right being dim during the reassembly process. So what I did is clear all the fresh paint off where the bolts and nuts go on both taillights. On both sides of the bracket I believe. But not enough to make the grinded off paint appear to the eye. It's kinda hard to describe how to do, but look at the way the lights are mounted and you can figure it out. Once the paint was cleared off those certain areas, I had excellent stop and regular lights. Hope this helps. __________________ 1971 Chevy K10 Stepside 1999 Chevy Silverado 4x4

10-03-2003, 12:27 PM	#5
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	Ok thanks, I will have to try that out. I'm guessing that the new taillights are built a bit differently (cheaply) and that's probably why they are doing what they are doing. __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

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