After replacing the bulbs and flasher relays, when I turn on my lights not only do the rear running lights not engage but the brake lights no longer signal?

1993 CHEVROLET S-10
138,000 MILES • 4.3L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CONFUSEDCB
I’ve recently changed out my bulbs and flasher relays. With my lights off everything works fine. However, when I turn on my lights not only do the rear running lights not engage but the brake lights no longer signal. My left turning light in the rear doesn’t flash, it just stays on and my right turning signal works just fine. I’ve checked fuses and wires under the dash to see if something is cross wired or exposed, but I didn’t see anything, and my grounds all look fine. I’m really at a loss with this right now.
Feb 4, 2025 at 3:43 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It sounds like the wrong bulbs are installed, did you use the rear light bulbs which are typically as follows:

Tail/Brake Light Bulb: 1157
Turn Signal Light Bulb: 1157
Reverse (Backup) Light Bulb: 1156

Please go over these guides as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/turn-signals-not-working-blinker

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-lights-not-working

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
Feb 5, 2025 at 8:53 AM
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CONFUSEDCB
  • MEMBER
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The blinker bulbs are correct and the other bulbs I used should be compatible, I’ll try switching them and see what happens.
Feb 5, 2025 at 9:33 AM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,503 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If the system worked before the bulbs might be the problem. Also, I would use the guides above to check the system grounds. Also, check the light bulb sockets to make sure none have melted.
Feb 6, 2025 at 8:07 AM
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