1996 rear lights not working the same way

Asked by Pollypopcap Jan 24, 2019 at 10:05 PM about the 1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I replaced the sockets in the driver's side rear tail light assembly, all of them
except the side marker light.  All the bulbs work.  The problem: the driver's
side lights, both of the light bulbs (turn signal and brake) shine when I push
the brake and both shine when I turn the signal on. Now on the passenger's
side, both lights shine for the brake, but only one for the turn signal.  
Which side is correct? Did I wire the sockets wrong? Back up lights come on
at the right time.

1 Answer

26,245

Are the bulbs single or double filament type? I believe your car has double filament bulbs and if single filament bulbs are used, they will not function. (Your directional lamp may be a single filament since its only function is the signal and does not energize with the brake.) The other bulbs/sockets are used for double duty. One filament comes on for the tail light function and the other comes on with the brakes. Check your bulbs, the two look the same but have different filaments and different contact surfaces.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1996 Pontiac Firebird

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Samuel Moore
    Reputation
    1,590
  • #2
    taver91
    Reputation
    1,320
  • #3
    Paul Martin
    Reputation
    1,270
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Camaro
596 Great Deals out of 9,267 listings starting at $4,899
Used Chevrolet Corvette
704 Great Deals out of 12,302 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Mustang
931 Great Deals out of 22,662 listings starting at $1,100
Used Ford F-150
6,133 Great Deals out of 132,912 listings starting at $1,300
Used Nissan 300ZX
77 listings starting at $15,990
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,880 Great Deals out of 66,411 listings starting at $875
Used Porsche 911
383 Great Deals out of 3,987 listings starting at $16,500

Used Cars For Sale

2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am For Sale
20 listings starting at $14,995
2001 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am For Sale
5 listings starting at $10,971
2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am For Sale
12 listings starting at $14,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.