Turnsignal and brake light out, not the bulbs! Please help.

[yoshisushi]

Hi all!

Some quick questions about fixing a light issue.

I have a 1998 1500 Reg cab, V6. Tilt Steering, automatic.

The Rear Pass brake and turnsignal light on my truck went out.

What does work:
- Front Pass side turn signal works, blinks fast
- Driver side brake light works
- All running lights work
- Driver side turn signals work fine, blink normally
- Note: I didn't see if the light would work with the 4-way flasher.

What I've tried:
- I've tried new bulbs, no go.
- I've tried cleaning the contacts, no go.

One of my friends said this is a common problem with these trucks and that it's almost always a turn signal switch. I've found them online for $200 but I want to make sure that's the problem before I buy one. Also if it turns out to be the turn signal switch do I have to remove the steering wheel to change it?

TIA!
Rick

[suzgixsix]

I just had the same problem with my left rear turn signal. I had to replace the plate that screws into the taillight that holds all the bulbs. It is called the taillight connector plate. I bought it at auto zone and it was $30. Try that first and if that doesnt work you can just return it. It is a little cheaper than the turn signal switch.

[localyokel]

Hi,sounds to me like your light socket has gone bad.Iwould try that first.Ussually if its the switch you will have no brake lights nor turn signals.but for some reason the 3rd brake light will still work.Also see if it will come on if you turn it on(signal)and pull back on lever almost as if you are flipping on the brights.If it comes on then yes it is your multifunction switch .anyways good luck!

[broughy84]

Sounds like the circuit boards are fried in your trucks taillight. I have replaced one on my 96 and two sets on my 88. This is very common. Part store should have them for around $20.

[yoshisushi]

WOW! Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to try putting in a new taillight. I've seen some replacements online but it looks like the entire light. Are those just plastic housings with no circuits?

Again, THANKS!!
Rick

[broughy84]

Yeah those are just the housings unless otherwise noted. You need the circuit boards not nessacarily the lenses.

[teamroperhdr]

I had that problem in my 97, the circuit board contacts were messed up and was blowing the fuse. I took a screwdriver and cleaned off the burned up connections because at the time only the dealer had the part. That was three years ago and I have not had any problems since then. If they are 20 bucks at the parts stores now, I would do that, it is a very quick and easy fix. Good luck

[teamroperhdr]

And the lenses on the internet are just the housings, you need the board that holds the lights in place with the plug in the back. Carfull taking off those lenses a lot, it is really easy to brake off the ears that go into the bed.

[Chevy-SS]

One thing not mentioned here is a bad ground. I have seen bad or dirty grounds cause all kinds of weird electrical gremlins. Make sure all your light socket, battery and chassis grounds are clean and secure.

[mike3028]

If All That Fails, And You Do Have To Replace The Blinker Switch. It Is Pretty Simple, Just Remove The Housing Around The Column And It Is Right There. You Will Need Some Long And Short Torx Bits. Good Luck!