Parking lamp relay popping I believe

Tiny
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  • 2007 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I recently changed out my multi switch on my vehicle and ever since the interior lights have been dimming when the headlights and parking lights come on. I noticed the parking lights only one will work at a time but signals work fine. I can hear the popping coming from the interior fuse box and have narrowed it down to the parking lamp relay, but can’t figure out how to get to the back side of the fuse box. I have found the bolt and retainer that hold it in but that retainer is very difficult to release and was wondering if there was an easier way to get it off?
Friday, July 23rd, 2021 AT 9:03 PM

52 Replies

Tiny
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Hi,

Both the bolt and retainer need to be removed. As far as the noise, does it stop if you pull the parking light relay? Also, are you sure it isn't something shorting that causes the noise?

Next, you indicated replacing the multi-function switch. Was this the problem prior to replacement? Have you pulled the relay to check it? Here is a link that shows how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If it is making a loud enough noise to record, upload it so I can hear what it is doing. Also, explain what you mean by only one light at a time works on the exterior. Does it change from one to the next?

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, July 24th, 2021 AT 7:21 PM
Tiny
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So when I say a noise I mean I can hear and feel a relay popping in the passenger side fuse box when I put my hand on it while turning the key to on. I haven’t been able to change out that relay as I can’t figure out a good way to get the retainer unhooked as it very oddly placed and seems to be very stiff and don’t want to risk snapping it. I didn’t have the issue prior to changing out the multi switch which I believe is what caused it. As I originally put in one that had a fog light switch but the vehicle doesn’t have fog lights. So I got the correct one and returned the old one as before with the original switch my high beams would stay on at night. When I say only one light works on the exterior the driver side bumper light or parking light is on but the passenger side isn’t never changes only that orientation but my signals work fine and they share the same bulb. I know exactly where and how to pull out the relay I need to change and I have the replacement relay already just have been having issues with actually getting to the backside of the fuse box.
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Saturday, July 24th, 2021 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

The idea that this happened when you replaced the switch leads me to believe the switch itself (the new one) is faulty or something happened to the wiring or connector when installed.

Have you re-checked the connections at the switch?

Joe
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Saturday, July 24th, 2021 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
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Yes, wiring has been all good.I believe I just shorted the relay and need to replace it.
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Saturday, July 24th, 2021 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Do me a favor. Take a pic of what you are seeing that is causing problems for you and upload it for me to see. When I look at the manual, all it shows me is the fuse box and nothing as far as removal.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, July 25th, 2021 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
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Okay, when I get the chance I’ll get a picture of both the lights dimming and the front lights not working probably and I’ll try and get a video of the relay popping.
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Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Excellent. It should help. I'll keep my eyes open for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
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Sorry it has been a while since the last reply. Here is some videos and pictures I have put together. Got some new issues that have recently popped up as well. First video of the front of the car the passenger side turn signal and parking lamp is not as bright when the headlights are off but when they are on it doesn’t work at all the the right turn signal blinks fast. And in the last video sorry for the occasional bad footage but when I turn off the headlights the interior lights are fully lit but when they are turned on it they dim and the part of the relay box where the wires go into the white panel I need to get on the backside of that to replace the relay that is popping.
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2021 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Do all lights work on the right side signals? The double-time. Flash is designed to indicate an open circuit. Have you gotten to the relay you originally asked about?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, August 13th, 2021 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
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I have not gotten to relay yet as I’m still having trouble accessing it and currently if the main low beams are not on the right side signals do work, but when they are on only the rear right works at double speed.
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Friday, August 13th, 2021 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
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Have you checked for ground problems? The added load from the headlamp may cause the right front to lose ground. Is that the one that is dimmer? It sounds like a ground issue.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, August 13th, 2021 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
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Okay, I’ll have to check the grounds. Last time I took a look at what I believe the blinker light grounds were they seemed to be covered is dust and dirt. Maybe need cleaned off and reconnected.
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Friday, August 13th, 2021 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
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I have just checked the grounds for those lights and cleaned scratched them up to provide a better ground and no difference.
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Friday, August 13th, 2021 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
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I have also managed to get to the other relays and it has not changed anything I can still hear a relay popping even after changing them all out.
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Friday, August 13th, 2021 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

When you say popping, do you mean the clicking sound when the signals turn on and off? In your video, that is the only thing I can hear.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, August 14th, 2021 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
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Sorry I had not uploaded anything in regards to the relay sound but it sounds exactly like one of the glovebox relays activating but is audible and it sounds like a click.
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Saturday, August 14th, 2021 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
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That sounds like the flasher, so there is no concern. For the right side to be flashing double-time, there has to be an open circuit. Please double check to make sure you aren't missing a bulb that is out. I can't remember exactly, but this may have two bulbs working at the same time in the front. If one is bad, the other will work, but it will flash really fast. Check the taillight as well.

Joe
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Saturday, August 14th, 2021 AT 10:00 PM
Tiny
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I’ll have to double check the twilight bulbs. I just recently replace the front signal bulbs and just ordered a new signal socket as the current one that is working with the headlights on has a damaged connected on the inside where it is pushed in. So I will try and fix that tomorrow and give an update after.
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

If you found a damaged socket, there is a good chance that is the cause. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it takes care of the issue for you.

Let me know. I'm interested in knowing if that takes care of the issue.

Take care,

Joe
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+1
Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
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Okay, good news is replacing that socket with a new one fixed my issue with my turn signals and they are now working perfect. But I am still having the original issue of some sort of relay or something making a clicking or popping sound near the glove box which is causing interior lights to dim slightly.
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2021 AT 6:01 PM

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