Hyundai Repair: brake lights, tail lamps, light bulbs

Question
QUESTION: i have a 2001 Tiburon ... and i have the same brake lights problem that another guy asked you some time ago ... both of the tail break lights won't turn on but the third one is working. The light bulbs are ok and the fuses too ... i will check the sockets but i was wondering if now that you have make and year of the car you can offer further advice. Thanks
ANSWER: Since the third brake lamp is working, we know that the brake pedal switch and much of the wiring is okay.  I'd recommend checking for proper power and ground in the lamp socket when the brake pedal is depressed.  I don't know of any specific issues that are common in this circuit on the 2001 Tiburon.

(I'm not sure what details were given on the original question, so if I've left out specific information that you're looking for, please follow up.)

To make it easier to check the circuit, you may wish to register for a free account at www.hmaservice.com (reqires Internet Explorer) so you can view the circuit diagram.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much ... how do i check for proper ground?? ...  i'll use a volt meter to check the power in the socket tonight ... i also followed your advice and joined hmaservice.com but i can't find the circuit diagram ... i'll keep looking on the website to see if i find it.

Answer
Sorry, I left out the details of where to find the circuit diagram in my previous response.  Once you've gone to the Service Information section, enter the year and model of your vehilce and click on the ETM (Electrical Troubleshooting Manual) tab.  A series of links will appear in the left panel.  Click on Body Electrical System, Lighting System, and Stop Lamps Schematic.



The outer edge of the socket is the ground side.  So if you turn on the tail lamps and apply the brakes, you can use the following procedure:

Clip one voltmeter lead to the socket.  Touch the other lead to each of the terminals in the bottom of the socket.  In each case, your voltmeter should read about 12V since one terminal is for the tail lamps and one is for the brakes.  

If your readings are okay, then the problem is in the bulb or its contact with the socket or its terminals.