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Parking lights not working

Tiny
PPRINCE72
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 264,000 MILES
Okay here we go. Nine months ago put new multi-function switch and ignition switch in no problems just getting worn and lose. Everything worked fine until hooked up to boat then the nightmare started.

Here are the symptoms:

1. Ignition on running lights come on everything else okay.
2. Ignition on or off turn parking lights or headlights
on dash lights come on but turn indicators come in dash and should not.
3. Ignition on lights on turn indicators on dash light up but turn signals nor four way flashers work at all but brake lights do work. Also turn signals brighten a little with corresponding signal on.
4. Ignition on left and right rear signals work but both front signals flash as well as dash lights flash and both indicators. Then rear brakes applied one bright brake light comes on but not the one flashing.

Okay, here is what I have done:

Replaced flashing unit.
Replace both rear tail light assembly's
Disconnected rear plugin same results and it does have the towing package and trailer connection.
I replace the multi-function switch again. Thinking maybe it was defective.
It does have a remote starter for nineteen years and everything on it works fine.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and I do not like wiring problems.
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Friday, November 30th, 2018 AT 6:16 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
PPRINCE72
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
After thinking about it its probably one of my ground straps.
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Saturday, December 1st, 2018 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

In all honesty, it does sound like power is back feeding to lights inside when it should not. That is usually the result of a bad ground and electric finding an alternate route to ground.

I suggest starting with the main grounds for the signals and exterior lighting.

Since the signals seem to be an issue, start by checking ground (G202) behind the left side of the dash. See picture 1 Note there is a splice in to that ground. Make sure there is not a corrosion issue or loose connection.

Next, check both front light ground. Picture 2 shows where the grounds are located. These grounds are for the park lights and signals. If these are bad, I have a feeling it will allow power to seek ground at the flasher. Thus, the signal lights inside may light.

Also and interestingly, the rear lights have a common ground. (Picture 3) Check that to make sure it is in good condition. Even if the ground checks good via continuity, take it apart and clean everything and make sure it is tight.

The last picture shows the trailer wiring. Note that the ground is common with the rear lighting. Again, check that.

Thinking about this, since you did work with the switch and ignition, I think I would start with the ground in the vehicle. However, something is telling me it is a problem with the one on the rear frame.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Saturday, December 1st, 2018 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
PPRINCE72
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Okay, I bought some ground straps so for the fun of it I added one to the exhaust by the catalytic converters because some information shows one and if it had one it was gone four exhaust systems ago. I also had one on the top of the frame on passenger side under hood straight down by air cleaner that was broke for years and I replaced it to the frame then to the firewall (I couldn't find original screw hole). Next took rear left main frame ground cleaned everything to bare metal. Everything is still same symptoms.
Now I'm going under the dash again is the ground that says left side of the steering column do you have a little better description of were the ground is located? Is it just a normal black wire grounded with a screw? I think it's under the dash but unsure what plugging in my boat trailer made a ground go out. The front and rear light grounds are going to be last because the truck is so long it just barely fits in the garage and I'm in Minnesota. Sorry for the rambling. Thanks,
Phil
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome back:

I was offered a job in Eden Prairie years ago. I really do not like the winters in Pittsburgh. No way!

Honestly, I agree with you. What did hooking the trailer up do to a ground? But, for power to be back feeding to the signal lights inside, either there is a short to power or a ground issue. I am going to ask another tech for his opinion. You may see a reply from Ken.

Wiring can be a real pain!
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 8:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

Yep, this is a bad ground issue. With the all lights on and having the problem use a test light connected to ground and then probe the ground wires close to the bulb socket to see if it lights up, when it does when found your bad ground.

This guide can help please let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/no-tail-lights-exterior-running-lights-tail-lights-out

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
PPRINCE72
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Hi guys, I thought you would like to know what the problem was and I hate to say the problem was me. I had replaced two of the front yellow turn signal/parking light bulbs and am very embarrassed to say I put two 1156 bulbs instead of 1157 bulbs and have no way how I was able to do it other than determination. I spent about two hours finding it after adding ground wires and cleaning up ground points. I appreciate all your help.
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome back:

I'm glad you found the issue. And don't be embarrassed. Other than the pins, the bulbs physically look the same. I have to give you some credit. I have no idea how you got it pushed into the socket. LOL It happens and don't think you're the only one it has happened to. We all do things like that. It's not a hard mistake to make.

Take care of yourself and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 8:48 PM

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