Any Chevy S10 Guru's Out There? (Or Car Enthusiasts In General)

[crankbait2009]

I have a 2002 Chevy S10, Vortec, 6cyl, 5 speed

Normally, when my turn signal lamp goes out, the turn signal will click super duper fast letting you know "hey, you have a bulb burnt out". It looks like my rear right tail light is burnt out. So i installed a new one, and no luck. still not working. the front right signal works though.

I checked my right tail light again last ***ht and the standard driving light comes on just fine. But the brake light and turn signal are not working. Everything seems to work except the right rear turn signal/brake light.

I was told (without testing it) that it could possibly be the combination switch. Does this sound about right? If so, are there any links to show me how to do this step by step? Is it easier to have a dealer/mechanic do it?

I have been told to check the grounding on that light but I can't seem to locate it. I have tried to follow the wiring from the light down the line to the source but all the wires are in that plastic shield and can't trace the ground. Anyone know where the ground is mounted to the frame??

What else could it be?

[tomustang]

Yes gm's usually have a turn signal switch that goes out (more of a common problem) and it should be on the steering column. You might have to remove the wheel to get to it.

[crankbait2009]

i thought of the whole combination switch but im hoping that this problem is an easy fix as a ground issue.

is there any way to "test" this switch to know for sure?

[OHIO]

Are you sure it's a combination switch that controls the rear lights?

I don't think I've ever heard of them controlling anything but the front lights and wipers.

[crankbait2009]

I'm only going by what I am told.......

I could spend $75+ on a diagnose by the dealer but I am trying to avoid all that.

there has got to be a way to test this rather than guessing/replacing parts that dont need fixed.

[tipptruck1]

MAn you sure have a lot of car problems. Any way did you check the fuse.

[crankbait2009]

ha ha.

Funny thing is, The truck I have has been very reliable. Sure the normal wear/tear items have needed replaced but nothing has really set me back o nthat truck. VERY dependable.

The VW that I have had recent problems with is a "daughters first car" and I bought it knowing it had problems. I actually started replacing things on the VW since I had it apart. (ball joints, tie rods, hubs, bearings, etc). So I brought those problems upon myself

Anyways, I have checked the fuses and all fuses are good. none are burnt out like I was hoping (easy fix)

[tomustang]

I'm only going by what I am told.......

I could spend $75+ on a diagnose by the dealer but I am trying to avoid all that.

there has got to be a way to test this rather than guessing/replacing parts that dont need fixed.

Like I said, it's a common problem. Even if it isn't the problem now, it will be soon. I rarely see the fuse or ground being the problem when this case came up.

[SirSnookalot]

It may be a simple fix for an auto repair shop, not dealer, I'd probably go that way, I'm not an expert.

[craww]

First thing first, make sure your getting current to the light. The mutlifunction switch is a possibility, though I doubt it cause brake lights shouldnt be affected by it. Does your steering wheel tilt? I had a truck where the turn signals wouldnt work unless the wheel was all the way up. Sometimes it would even buzz. I found that some of the wires had partially pulled out of the plug. Try moving the wheel up and down with the signal on for giggles.

If wires are touching or your grounding out, I'd THINK you'd be blowing a fuse. Also dont rule out a bad balast or even a relay. Electrical issues in cars can be a booger to get a handle on sometimes.

[crankbait2009]

I have stuck a volt meter on the socket.......nothing. I have cut the wires at the socket to see if I was at least getting power to the socket.......nothing.

I have stuck the meter on the left side and that checked out fine.

I will try one more splice point on the left side of the truck to see if I am at least gettingpower to that point before it branches off to each light.

any other thoughts?

(now that I have cut the wires, I can't exactly try the tilt steering wheel idea. I will splice the wires back together tonight and contiunue searching)