rear tailights wont come on anymore...need some advice

[fst100]

ok 1st, i installed a remote start a while back. dont know if its the problem or not, but FWIW. i didnt notice whether the tailights were working then or not. just recently i found out that only the middle brake light by the rear window comes on when i depress the brakes. i checked the wire that i tapped into the brake wire on the car, and disconnected it to see if it was the culprit, nope. i also heard that the switch inside the steering wheel would be the culprit. i havent tested that yet, however i also read that if the switch is bad, then the hazards would be affected as well. well, the hazards function fine and my brake lights do come on when flashing.
is there anyway for me to further diagnose why the tailights wont come on when the brakes are depressed? what wires should i check for a constant 12v at both at the tails and at the brake pedal? also where does the wiring go to between the 2 areas? thanks in advance. i have inspection coming up and would greatly want to fix this and not fail. TIA
fst100

[BNaylor]

If the third brake light is working, the brake switch is good. Same switch is used to disengage cruise control when brakes are applied.

On the common point on wiring, the multifunction switch at the steering column. Therefore, I'd check into a flaky multifunction switch based on the indication/symptoms.

You can tear it apart and inspect the multifunction switch. Also, we have a replacement procedure in old threads.

[fst100]

the "multifunction switch at the steering column", does that also affect the hazards as well? i'll look into the replacement thread and see if i can fix it. i heard the multifunction switch, is very expensive piece to replace, is that true? thanks bnaylor.

[fst100]

will the only thread i could find was this one,
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...=multifunction

any idea what it would look like? lol, sorry im just a very visual person ^^;

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by fst100

the "multifunction switch at the steering column", does that also affect the hazards as well? i'll look into the replacement thread and see if i can fix it. i heard the multifunction switch, is very expensive piece to replace, is that true? thanks bnaylor.

Yes, it does. The hazard switch output goes the the multifunction switch. Everthing including park lamps, etc. goes through that switch.

If you get the part from a GM dealer yes. GM List is $370 - $411 depending on with or without cruise control. But there are aftermarket ones available at auto stores.

I'll see if I can find the procedure.

[fst100]

keep me posted bnaylor. how tight is getting to the multifunction switch in the steering column? when i had to install the remote start, everything around there was tight to reach.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by fst100

keep me posted bnaylor. how tight is getting to the multifunction switch in the steering column? when i had to install the remote start, everything around there was tight to reach.

Once you get the tilt wheel lever off and remove the plastic upper and lower covers really not that bad but it is tedious. Same as tackling an ignition switch changeout. As soon as I find the replacement procedure I'll post it.

[fst100]

thanks

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by fst100

thanks

Try this link. For a Regal but applicable and same for the Grand Prix.

http://www.clubgp.com/cgi-asp/mods.asp?modid=141

[fst100]

thanks bnaylor, i'll take a look at it.