QuestionTed, on 12/1/04 you answered a question from a person with exactly my rear lamp problems. I have looked at all your answers on the subject but have not hit upon my problem.
With tranny in "park", when placing the ignition key in the "run" position, and placing my foot on the brake pedal my "R" lamp lights on the transmission display in the center of the dash, the "rear lamp fail" indicator lights, no back up lamps illuminate when I shift to "R" even with car started and running) and if the rear inner most parking lamps are "on" using the light switch, the inner most lamps (also 1157s) go out.
All other rear lamps work properly in all conditions except for the inner most "red" lamps located beside the back up lights.
I have checked the lamp fail sensor and replaced it, I have twice checked all the lamps to insure they are proper the proper types. I have taken the car to a ASE technician with zero luck.......these guys don't want to spend time on problems like mine!
Years ago, I did replace the third brake light with a 922 bulb..... the mechanic said the 921 bulb that my owners manual calls for was discontinued in his catalog. Please help, I'd like to sell the car, but this problem constitutes a "safety hazzard" in our states inspection process so it won't 'pass".
Love your website!!!
AnswerIn some of my previous replys concerning this condition I have mentioned that there used to be a very common problem with the wire harness in the trunk.
The sub harness from the rear lights fastened to the left trunk hinge can develop breaks inside the insulation, this happens because of the stretching of the wires when the trunk is opened and closed.
Unless you have done this already check for broken wires, cut open the insulation inside the trunk from the hinge point to where the harness enters the inside of the body, slightly pull on the wires to see if they pull apart or they may already be broken, repair any broken wires and tape them up and reinstall the harness cover.
