Can I fix a short at home?

MONERZ

MEMBER
2001 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE
131,000 MILES

My Olds. Silhouette is haing issues with the tail/brake lights. We have checked all fuses and replaced ALL bulbs, even in the front, and are still having problems. When you press the brake, both turn signals light up on the dash, however are steady and do not blink. Since this has happened, I have had no rear lights at all, with the exception of the brake light on the hatch. The Hazard lights DO work though. I'm thinking we have a bad ground someplace. Can we fix this without having to go to a mechanic? Thank You.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,200 POSTS

You can fix it. You need to check for shorts to power and check for damaged wiring. Since you have the lights in the car coming on (singals) chances are you are back feeding power through the ground for those lights. So, I think you are on the right track with a possible ground issue.