1996 Tahoe tail lights

[andrewpayne83]

Trying to troubleshoot why my taillights on my 1996 Tahoe are not working. Brake lights flashers and third brake light work but not tail lights any suggestions?

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

If your bulbs are good, it might be the taillight circuit boards/socket panels. Those are notorious for failing on these trucks. Also check your wiring harness for corrosion and loose connections. Trailer connector plug harness ( under the truck) can have problems too, similar to this.

 

[andrewpayne83]

I have checked all of the above mentioned , I am starting to think it’s a faulty control panel switch inside the truck??‍

 

[97C1500TJ]

I had a similar issue with mine being the ground at the rear just behind the bumper.

 

[wirlybird]

My '97 Tahoe was plagued by the left side always acting up. Replaced the circuit board and it is now fine.

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Download Volume 1 of the 1998 service manual, here (or elsewhere as you see fit):

GMT400 CK Service Manual Project

GMT400 CK Manual Project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GMT400 CK Manual Project The 1988 - 1998 GMT400 Chevy & GMC Pickups Message Board

67-72chevytrucks.com

or more specifically, here:

1998_GMT-98_CK-1_SERVICE_MANUAL-VOLUME_1_of_4 ** NEW 5/2016

Look for "Park/Turn Lamps Inoperative" on or around pg. 8A-110-15

Wiring diagrams start on or around pg. 8A-110-0

 

[GoToGuy]

The turn signal and the brake use the same bulb. So when you turn on headlights the rear lamps are not lighting. Third brake light is separate circuit from brake/ turn signals. When headlights on are other maker lights on?

 

[andrewpayne83]

Yes all other lights come on, headlights, side marker lights, parking lights, license plate lights,third brake light, and all dash lights just not the taillights. Some have mentioned it may be the headlight control switch on the dash. I guess I will change it and give that a try

 

[GoToGuy]

Have you checked for power at the connector at back by bumper? In the wiring diagram. The brown wire coming out of headlight switch runs brown out of cab under along frame rail to back near bumper the splits to left and right tailights. Headlights on that wire runs power to rear park lights. Check grounds good?