Brake / Rear Turn Lights Not Working

[modicon2]

I've got a 2002 Montana and my wife tells me that both brake lights and both rear turn signals do not work. If she puts on the hazard lights both rear lights blink very dimm. Both turn indicators & Traction light are ON most of the time at the dash. When she puts the brakes on, "funny" stuff happens like the turn signal blinks fast.

After reviewing several post, it sounds like I may have a circuit board issue.

The first thing I need to now is how to get the light assembly off. I'm going to try to trouble-shoot over the phone. She said it is not a normal flat/phillips screw but some kind of "star" shaped head.

I've searched the internet without any luck.
Can somebody tell me what tool is required to remove the Tail light cover?

Any other helpful advice on my light issue would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[GregA]

I believe that is called a Torx screw. I think it is a T30 size - that's what I have in my "Tail Light Replacement Kit" (baggie with bulbs & T30 driver). You should be able to get one at any hardware store (my driver says "Ace" on it).

Take Care,

[modicon2]

T30...Thanks!
Next,
Is the circuit board the device that all the bulbs are plugged in?
If not, where is the circuit board?
When I find the Circuit Board, What exactly do I need to look for?

Thanks Again, for anybody & everybody's help!

[modicon2]

I think I fixed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Original Problem: Brake lights and turn signals not working, Traction light & ABS & both turn indicators always on.

Both sides had the exact same issue/problem.
The female side of wiring connector was burned at the black wire tab (common). One dead give away is the burnt rubber/plastic smell. I verified that the big metal bar down the center of the circuit board was the common/black wire with volt meter (you must take out all light bulbs to do this). When you hold the circuit board with light sockets facing up and look down into the middle of the circuit board you'll see a silver flat bar about 3/8" to 1/2" wide that runs down the middle, this is the same thing as your black wire when connector plugged together.

Tool required:
T30 Torx screw driver, 2 pieces ~#14 gauge wire about 6" long, 2 small wire nuts, 2 round spade lugs, wire strippers/crimpers, 2 screws (1/2" length but not sure about size), black electrical tape.

Here's what I did:
1) Remove assembly (2 torx screws)
2) Remove circuit board from lens cover
3) Remove all light bulbs
4) Next we need to Drill ~3/8" hole to get access the metal common bar.
Turn the circuit board with the sockets facing down and drill a hole down in the middle/centerline of the board between the 1st and 2nd bulb (bulb closet to wiring connector is 1st bulb). My 2001 Montana had a small predrilled hole already in the metal bar at this location. You might can see the hole with a flash light and holding the circuit board just right. I also had to "wallow-out" the hole a little because my round spade lug was a little larger then 3/8".
5) Took 14 gauge wire (~6" in length) and stripped out the wire at each end.
6) Crimped on round spade lug on one end.
7) Put screw through lug and into predilled hole. (Or use a self tapping screw and screw it into the bar anywhere)
8) When now need to connect (splice) the other end of our 6" #14 gauge wire to the black wire of the wiring connector. I had a handy inline splice connector that made it easy and clean. You could come up a few inches from the connector on the black wire and cut it. Strip back both side of the cut black wire. Put both ends of black wire and the other end of the 6" wire together with a wire nut.
9)Put it all back together.

[GregA]

Great Job!

You said you "think" you fixed it - please let us know for sure.

Take Care,

[modicon2]

Brake and turn signals are working.
The Traction & ABS & Turn Indicator are NOT lighted/on @ the dash.

I'll have to let her drive it a few days and let me know if there are any problems.

This site was a life saver!!!!!!!!!!!!