94 GP SE - tail lights have gone out

[LadynRed]

Not ALL lights are out however, just the main running lights that SHOULD be on when the head lights are on. The turn signals work, the back up lights work. There is a thin light strip below the main tail light that works and also lights up when I hit the brakes. It's just the main lights that have quit.

I have changed all the bulbs, even though none of them were blown. I checked the fuse panel on the passenger's side - no blown fuses. All my dash lights are fine. I know there are other modules and fuses on the car, but my owner's manual isn't very helpful there.

Clearly there is something else that's wrong. The garage where I have all my work done suggested only that I take it to a place that does nothing but auto electrical problems, and that's going to cost me a small fortune I'm sure. So, if I can avoid that it would be helpful to my wallet. I'm not afraid to take things apart and get my hands dirty if needed.. up to a point.

At least I have some lights, but not the most obvious

Thanks !

[tblake]

I know GM vehicles have had issues with the multifunction switch. Not sure if 94's did. This is the turn signal lever with cruise and wipers and high beams on it. Might want to work it over a few time back and forth, and jiggle it around. I have even diagnosed a bad MFS by putting the high beams on and checking for brake lights. So try it. If at any point your manipulating the switch and the lights turn on, you found your problem. Unfortunatly sometimes R&R on these can be quitecomplicated. Not sure how the 94 is set up....

[LadynRed]

You are exactly right, I do have that multi-function switch. I'll try your high beams thing and see what happens.

I just didn't want to have to take it to this automotive electrical place for major diagnostics, pay hundreds and find out all that wasn't necessary.

Unfortunately, that is now the least of my problems with it. I've been dealing with a low-coolant problem for 2 weeks. Mechanic suspects lower intake manifold gasket is shot, so I'm having it towed to the shop tomorrow morning.. not chancing driving it and over heating.

Thanks !!

[tblake]

Get your hands dirty man!!! The lower intake gasket isnt such a big deal to replace. You can even find some nice writeups here if you do a quick search.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

Get your hands dirty man!!!

I think this is a female Tim.

[LadynRed]

That would be correct.. FEMALE

Not that that would necessarily stop me if I had the tools, a place and the knowledge to do such a job, my dad was a mechanic and I practically grew up in his garage.

The car was towed to the shop this morning, and it's going to another shop right now, the first doesn't do these kinds of big jobs. The 1st recommended the 2nd and I trust my mechanics. The 1st shop, my regular guys, said my oil looks like chocolate milk.. so there's a lot of water/coolant in there. The 2nd shop said the job will cost me $750-800 to do the LIM - provided the engine isn't already damaged. It's not making any ugly noises, sounds like it always has, so I'm prayin' there's no damage. Fortunatley my normal driving is 18 miles round trip to/from work at no more than 40mph, so it hasn't had to run hard since this started. I know it can go bad even at that rate, but it has to be less damaging than lots of miles at 70mph.

I don't need this.. can't just go buy another car this afternoon if ya know what I mean. .. soo... crossing my fingers and prayin' ! Even if this'll just buy me 6 months, I'll have time to get things arranged and have time to shop. Some days I think I'd rather go back to horses !

Thanks guys