Pontiac Repair: Tail Lights, turn signal switch, fuse box

Question
Hello Todd

I drive a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE with a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine. I have just noticed my tail lights remain on even after turning off my car. So I referred to my fuse box and pulled out the (20) fuse associated with stop/hazard lights and that made the tail lights go out. My problem is I don't know what causes my tail lights to remain on when my fuse is plugged in and how to correct the problem. Is it electrical ?

Answer
Hi dennis:

Well if you pulled the fuse for the stop lamps then it's an issue with either a barke light switch that is stuck on or something wrong inside the turn signal switch. the stop lamps run though the turn signal switch they use the same bulb for stop and turn.  I would look under the dash at the stop lamp switch it rest up against the brake pedal lever. it may have come out of the retainer and it's just sittin there and the pedal is not touching the swith. It may have backed out of the retainer and same result. If it's still in the retainer put the fuse back in and unplug the switch and see if the light go out if so the switch is bad. good luck :)