99 SE Brake Light Problem

when my lights are off on my 99 gm se the right brake light on the outside of the light will not light....but accordingly when the lights are on, it works??? no idea why, i have changed the bulb and still do not know why it doesnt light????any reasoning?

check the socket for something covering the contacts or use some contact grease, that might help.

When the lights are on, is it the brake light (brighter) that will work, or is it just the lower-intensity taillight (dimmer) that comes on? If it's just the lower intensity light that comes on, I agree, check the contacts. One thing I have found on my 99GA is that if you get the bulbs with the plastic base, it can actually melt slightly over time from the heat of the bulb. I have had to scrape my contacts because a film of melted plastic has interrupted contact between the thin wire on the bulb and the contact in the socket. I try when I can to get bulbs with the glass base from now on.

Now it is not only the low intensity break light not working but it is the turn signal as well. I will check the contacts and bulbs for build up. Thanks for the tips.