'86 GT with faulty taillights

[directorcass]

O.K. this has me stumped. '86 GT, drivers side brake lights, turn signals, and back up lights work. However the taillights (or running lights) do not work. That is, when the lights are on, the drivers side tailights do not light up. Passenger side everything works so it's not a fuse. Bulbs for the taillights were replaced but the problem persists. Is there a break somewhere? Thanks for any help. Oh, and the four bulbs for the word "Pontiac" don't light either. Those have also been replaced as well with no change.

[aaron88]

Ues a voltmeter and trace it back until you find the power.

[directorcass]

Well, there seems to be an intermittent short somewhere because now they are working! I'll be taking it to a shop and have them trace it. Thanks!

[GoFast88]

Electrical is always a pain when it happens only once and a while. Best thing is to go to Crappy Tire and buy a meter for $8.99 when  they are on sale for 1/2 price and keep it in the car. When it happens again you can jump on it and track it down. It will take the garage some time (read plenty cash) to track it down and even then it is tough going.

[aaron88]

Well, there seems to be an intermittent short somewhere because now they are working! I'll be taking it to a shop and have them trace it. Thanks!

Electrical is something that will cost you a few dollars to fix yourself but several hundred dollars to have a shop fix.

Aaron

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