Tail Lights and I/P panel lights not working?

Tiny
SKAMANIAC
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 15,000 MILES
My daughter is home for Xmas break and her Tail lights, license plate light front parking lights and Instrument Panel light are all out. I found out that the 25A fuse in the underhood electrical center powers all of these lights. Fuse looked good but changed it anyway with NO results. Checked the wiring under the UEC to make sure it was connected and for corrosion and wiggle the wires around. Still NO success. Where else can I look to find the source of the problem? Thank you in advance!

Mike
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 AT 8:41 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Hello ...

Try checking/ replacing the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Control Module...Behind left side of dash, on brake pedal support. this controls these systems during daytime running and if it is faulty will not let the lights come on during normal operation ..


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_light_2.jpg



Check out the images (Below). Please let us know how it goes
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Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 AT 9:53 AM
Tiny
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Thanks for the response. I have tried to find a module at the online auto parts stores and haven't had any luck. None of them have one listed. To be honest, I didn't know this vehicle had DRL's. I don't have the vehicle here at the moment. I'd like to make sure that you have the right vehicle information. It is a 1996 Chevy Lumina.
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Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
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I have 3 models listed of the lumina

lumina
lumina APV
lumina LS

I have a DRL listed for each model
It looks from the wiring diagram that it maybe optional ?

could you supply vin # ... or you could call a dealer with the VIN #


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_light2_1.jpg



let me know !
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Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
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  • 6 POSTS
I called the dealer and it's not a cheap part that would be feasable to just swap out ($207.00) but I located one at a salvage yard for $20.00. It's a rectangular aluminum box about 6"x12"x1 1/4". My daughter is bringing the car by this afternoon and I will swap it out and let you know the results. Thanks again.

Mike
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Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
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It turns out that part of the UEC was dead. Had to have it replaced.

Thanks for your help. Mike
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Sunday, January 11th, 2009 AT 7:56 AM
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
If you mean the ECU (vehicles computer) then none of the lighting circuits are controlled by the ECU the ECU deals with powertrain (engine circuits spark/fuel etc.). All lighting circuits are controlled by switches/fuses the DRL module and EBCM (electronic brake control module) which does control brake light operation but not the other circuits you mentioned. The DRL and actual lights switch are the only circuit controls for all the lights you mentioned were out? If you had the ECU replaced then I feel this was unnecessary !
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Sunday, January 11th, 2009 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
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The Underhood Electronic Control box (UEC) or fuse panel. There was no power to two of the fuses. One of them was the 25A fuse for those lamps. Apparantly there was some corrosion or something. All I know is it wasn't the control module which I replaced thankfully with one from the salvage yard and only cost me $20.00 instead of the $200 that the dealer wanted.
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Sunday, January 11th, 2009 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
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OHH I see. My mistake. They are called so many different things on different vehicles, I usually relate to them as just underhood fuse/relay box. But as with most electrical faults it's trial and error until you find the fault? Well glad you figured it out in the end
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Sunday, January 11th, 2009 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
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As I said earlier, thank you for your help. I appreciate it. It's just that I couldn't play with it any longer. It's the car my daughter takes to school (college) and Xmas break is over. She left yesterday and I had the car fixed the day before. If you wouldn't mind forwarding this I would appreciate that also. Thanks again.

Mike
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Sunday, January 11th, 2009 AT 12:14 PM
Tiny
CLS4247
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My Goodness. The man gave you his time when he really didn't have to. I'd tell you to do it your darn self-next time. Props to the Respondent: You stayed classy and helpful throughout. Great Customer Service Face! Bravo!
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Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 AT 9:48 AM

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