Driver side rear taillight/brake light and turn signal not working

BRIAN BENNETT

MEMBER
2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
161,162 MILES

When my cars headlights are off my rear driver side taillight is dim but works. As soon as I turn on my lights it shuts off. No brake light no taillight no turning signal. I haven’t replaced the socket yet because it doesn’t look corroded or anything. Everything I’ve read makes it sound like a bad ground connection.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi Brian,

Certainly, it could be a ground, but we need to know where the power is coming from. If you turn the lights off and then it lights (dim) power is back feeding from a supply. And yes, it could be through the ground circuit. However, I would think it would affect other lights in the circuit which share the same ground.

Here is what I need you to do: With the lights off, test each wire in the connector to determine which one has power. Note the wire color and let me know which it is.

I attached the wiring schematic below for you as a reference. In the last pic is the left rear light info. I highlighted a couple of things for you. Note: that if this is an LZ, it is different than a vehicle without that package.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)