Tail Light not working

[mongoclark]

I have a 1997 Grand Prix seems my rear side marker lights work and my brake light comes on when the pedal is step on and the turn signals work as required. The reason being I was pulled over early this morning saying my rear tail lights were too dim. Here's what was noted with the car running, B/U LIGHT OFF, BRAKE/TURN SIGNAL LAMP OFF, SIDE LAMP ON. Is this the way these rear assemblies are suppose to function on this vehicle?

[SeanGTP]

During the day, neither should be on. At night, or with the switch flipped, both the middle and side should light up, and both should become brighter when engaging the brake pedal.

[mongoclark]

Well I pulled the assembly off and for some strange reason the wire was cut on both assembley connectors to light up the running lights on the rear assembly. Spliced the wires back together and they worked as advertised. I have no idea why the guy that had the car before me did that? Strange!

[SeanGTP]

To which lights?

[mongoclark]

To which lights?

To the BRAKE/TURN/RUNNING light. You got the three lights, the RESERVE light, the BRAKE/TURN light and the SIDE MARKER light. And the wire on the connecter for the BRAKE/TURN/RUNNING light was cut on both assemblies. So when the lights where on at night only the two side marker lights where on and thats why the cop pulled me over. Now my question is why did he cut those? I guess i'll never know

[SeanGTP]

I cut my side marker lights to splice them for a blinker mod, but I didn't cut the center ones... only thing I can think of.

[RyanL]

I cut my side marker lights to splice them for a blinker mod, but I didn't cut the center ones... only thing I can think of.

thats a good idea! i think im gonna try that!

[SeanGTP]

There's a write-up on here about it. I'd suggest reading that first, so you don't mess anything up. Also, it likes to **** with the electrical system in the entire car.

[RyanL]

like what? did u have any problems with that?

[SeanGTP]

Digital HVAC controls blink. Also, everytime I do something at all, the electrical system seems to bog down, the fans slow, the lights dim, only temporarily. Also happens every time I step on the brakes, so I THINK it's because of the wiring there, but I haven't undone it to test it out and see I don't have another problem with my car.