97 Blazer and no tail lights

[MikePathfinder2001]

Hi, I have a 97 blazer and my tailights don't work. I know the wires that go to the tailight are corroded. (Mechanic told me) Anyway, he said I need to replace the wires and the Harness (not sure what that is yet). Is there a link to a tutorial on how to replace these wires? Will I have to remove the drivers side seat (because it looks like it goes under there). Also, do these wires also conncet to the power seat, because that doesn't work either. Anyway, any kind of help would be great.

97 Blazer 4dr. 4wdrive LT

Again thanks for any help.

[old_master]

Did he tell or show you where the wiring is corroded? Corrosion occurs at or near connections or where the insulation is cracked, damaged or missing. Depending on how bad the corrosion is, it can usually be cleaned, but sometimes requires replacement of a connector or a section of wire.

[OnlyBMWs]

I have had this same problem for months. I have been driving at night with hazards on b/c parking lights won't work but Braking is fine. I have checked the wiring and traced it back with no corrosion or fraying. I think it may have something to do with the harness at the steering column. I replaced my ignition a while back, and now I have been dealing with this parking lights always off issue shortly after that. I noticed today that my brake lights are not working (the third bar works) and I am ready to sell this thing quick. I have put more time and effort and parts into this thing in the 5 months that I have had it than it is worth. Again, I am a novice, but maybe check your harnesses under the dash(near foot pedals) and see if they are connected properly. Remove your airbag fuse (22 or 23) to be on the safe side before messing with them. Also, possible the driving light s switch is bad. Its a 20 dollar part. Any other suggestions from the experts are welcome. I have been surfing the web for answers on this issue for months. Good Luck. Keep me posted, and I will as well.

[MikePathfinder2001]

Thanks for the great information. I replaced the ignition switch about a year ago, but this problem started about a month ago. apparently water is getting into the vehicle and is soaking the wires under the carpet. My power seat on the driver's side doesn't work either. I think it might be related. Anyway, at this point, the vehicle is worth less than what they want to fix it. Not to mention, I keep having to change the 4 wheel drive accuator because for some reason, transmission fluid is getting inside it from a vacuum tube and eventually eats through the damn rubber. Go figure. Anyway, thanks for the help. I will keep everyone posted on my results.

Mike

[OnlyBMWs]

That really stinks, sorry to hear about that. Yeah electrical propblems are a real pain, and can soak up dollars if you have a shop troubleshoot for you. The harnesses and wires you need can all be purchased aftermarket. As far as the transmission.. I had mine replaced at 100K. and it still leaks fluid at a rate of a pint a month or two. My wife loves this vehicle, but I have done nothing but spend my weekends troubleshooting and or maintenance. (The things we do for love).. of course I spend a lot of time on my Bimmer, but that car is awesome!

It may still be worth it to troubleshoot yourself... a simple digital ohmeter and some searching on the internet could saave you money and help you out. Kinda tough to troubleshoot electrical problems with the weather here in GA lately.. let alone the snow belt. I will post if I find anything that might help you.

Good Luck!

[blazes9395]

Mike, you actuator keeps getting filled with transmission fluid becasue the 4x4 vacuum switch that is located on the top of the transfer case is damaged and is allowing fluid in the vaccuum lines. Left long enough, the fluid will eventually make its way through the vacuum lines in the truck and make your HVAC selector switch in the truck not work properly. The 4x4 vacuum switch is located on top of the transfer case and has three vacuum lines coming from it.

As for the tail light issue for both you guys, these trucks have had an issue with the multifunction switches wearing causing all kinds of problems. There was actually a recall for these trucks from 2000 up to 2002 I think for these switches, causing intermittent problems like no brake lights, etc. The third brake light was not involved in the circuit for the main brake lights, if the third brake light works and not the rest, I would be looking very closely at the multifunction switch. I have never heard wiring problems for these trucks, like corroded wiring to the lights, it could happen, especially if someone had played with it, but rarely.