Thread: Very unique problem..please help UPDATE

just do process of elimination, remove all bulbs or disconnect all bulbs in the rear first, make sure all fuses are good, turn the lights on and see if you have your dash lights. Also does the dash lights light up whether or not the running lights and headlights are on. There is alot involved in the process of finding the problem but its process of elimination, There is only so many things it could be, The key is to eliminate the non causes and trace it down to one circuit and then follow that circuit. If i had to take a wild guess i would almost say the brake switch could be busted causing it to short to ground, in that case all your dash stuff grounds there, you could be feeding current back through the ground which would make sence if the circuit is at least semi complete.

Unplug the brake switch and see if the problem goes away and see if your dash lights work normal. Test everything and anything that has to do with the circuit. A wiring diagram would be the best bet, it really helps in eliminating the possible causes.

^^ Very well put ashtonsser.. You are so correct. The steps that I described above was actually begining the elimination steps for identifying the exterior light circuits. Used it many times to determine electrical gremlins.

^^ Yes Jen36, I remember James exterior light problem.. It was a difficult find. He also was thinking that the brake lights was causing it. Turned out to be those frayed wires to his sidemarkers..

Pop your trunk and look at the wire loom. It' probably frayed and cut. Very common problem on a G20's.

Thanks for the info guys. Tomorrow is the first chance i get to look at it again. The brake lights have been fine all week since we replace the fuse in it but the tailights still pop a fuse. So ill try the elimination process tomorrow. I found a wire schematic of all the rear lights and the path they run through the car on a link from NICO to the FSM for the car. Ill keep everyone updated.