2001 Saturn LS200 Rear tail light assembly

Hi again;

There is a electrical contact problem with the rear tail light assembly.
When the brake is applied the tail light (if on) goes out. However the
brake light does not come on. Saturn 'repaired' this once. Two weeks later
it is on the blink again. Anyone have this problem? How did you solve it
(if you did)?

Thanks

Jim

 

Sounds like a classic ground connection problem. Check for a high
resistance from the groud side of either bulb socket to chassis
ground. Probably a corroded connector.

 

Sounds like the ground wire was disconnected/broken. Check for continuity
from the assembly (where the wire is connected) to ground (car body) while
the power/lights are off.

 

I would take it back to the dealer if it was done 2 weeks ago. Usually
repairs are warranted for 90 days.

Steve

 

It may be dangerous to assume that yours is identical to my '01 lw300 but
here goes.

I had an intermittent brake light and found that the connection between the
bulb carrier and the tail light assy was loose. The contacts in the tail
light assy are made from stamped metal, held in place by melted back plastic
posts. One of the contact strips was bent out of place. Careful
straightening put it back in place.

Did have one Oops though. in troubleshooting, left the lights on while
fiddling with the bulb carrier. Accidentally shorted out the contacts and
blew the fuse. I later found that the status lights for the ABS on the
instrument panel were not working. Car was still under 60 day used car
warranty and Saturn replaced the body controller. Not sure if the two are
related.

No problems since.

Oppie

btw: If you break any of the plastic nibs, Devcon Plastic welder is
fantastic for repairs.

 

Your explanation seems to be the same one as mine. I can hold the bulb in a
certain position while the brake pedal is pushed and the light goes on. I
will look at the tabs again.

Thanks
Jim

 

I am starting to have the same problem. I have a 2000 saturn LS1 and if I
hold the bulb in place, it'll work. It does seem loose. What is the best
way to tackle this?

 

I am starting to have the same problem. I have a 2000 saturn LS1 and if I
hold the bulb in place, it'll work. It does seem loose. What is the best
way to tackle this?

 

My old post is still showing on the news server that I read from. Not all
servers have the same retention of old posts though...

Here is a repost of mine from 4/15/04. Hope it helps you.
Oppie

------------
It may be dangerous to assume that yours is identical to my '01 lw300 but
here goes.

I had an intermittent brake light and found that the connection between the
bulb carrier and the tail light assy was loose. The contacts in the tail
light assy are made from stamped metal, held in place by melted back plastic
posts. One of the contact strips was bent out of place. Careful
straightening put it back in place.

Did have one Oops though. in troubleshooting, left the lights on while
fiddling with the bulb carrier. Accidentally shorted out the contacts and
blew the fuse. I later found that the status lights for the ABS on the
instrument panel were not working. Car was still under 60 day used car
warranty and Saturn replaced the body controller. Not sure if the two are
related.

No problems since.

Oppie

btw: If you break any of the plastic nibs, Devcon Plastic welder is
fantastic for repairs.