[galtor]

I have a 2002 Malibu and the tail lights are blowing the fuse. Also, when that happens, it seems that the inside speedometer panel lights also go out. It is sometimes hard to see the panel at night and it is illegal or cause for a ticket if I drive without the tail lights.

We checked for shorts and none were found (this is from the GM mechanics).

I have had the back lights go out before, they fixed the electrical system. That was years ago. Now the tail lights keep going out. I will keep fuses around for the time being.

What do you think if a short isn't the problem?

It has been raining lately (winter season), I was thinking that water gets into the tail light system and shorts them out. But wouldn't the bulbs also go out?

Also, if it is water seeping into the fixture, how can I better protect against more leakage?

 

[Starship]

Welcome to the forum. I think you meant the parking lights rather than "tail lights." The Parking Lamps fuse protects the parking lamp circuits as well as the instrument illumination circuits (instrument cluster, various lighted switches, dials, knobs).

I guess it's easy enough to check the circuit boards inside the taillamp assembly. They tend to develop faults on your generation Malibu. Also, if a parking/illumination lamp that should be lit but isn't (not to forget the front parking lamps and side markers), it may indicate a wiring problem behind it. If not those, the culprit can be anywhere in the paths that power the lamps both interior and exterior. Sites of previous repairs are always suspect but it may take a substantial teardown and lots of luck and patience.

 

[galtor]

Tail lights? Panel lights. Lights at night where the cops pull you over because they can't see you while driving.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Moving. You posted in the 2008-Up section....

 

[RalphP]

When I had that problem in my 2000 Malibu, it turns out the circuit boards were rusty inside (the ones that make up the tail light panels) and were shorting out.

I had to replace them.

Turns out Dorman makes them ... Dorman #s are at http://www.dormanproducts.com/appli...S:+FI:+N:+J&c=488&cn=TAIL+LIGHT+CIRCUIT+BOARD for a 2002.

(If I guessed wrong, re-search and find the right ones.)

RwP

 

[galtor]

I am not a mechanic. I already went to the GM mechanics and they couldn't fix the problem. Should I go to someone that knows these electrical systems.