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Tail Lamp out indicator on dash

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Old 01-13-2004, 12:18 PM
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Default Tail Lamp out indicator on dash

The DIC in my car keeps telling me that I have a tail lamp out, but I don't. I had someone sit in my car while I looked at the tail lamps, brake lamps and turn signals and they are all working. Any ideas?
Old 01-13-2004, 12:22 PM
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could be on its way out or ur have a short somewhere near the light its telling u is going out.

side note-i wish my car would tell me when i have a bulb going out, must be a ssei option.
Old 01-13-2004, 12:25 PM
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I used to get the same warnings too. I just figured it was some water getting in the taillight assembly somewhere, since I only got these warnings when it was raining. I replaced one of the inner taillight pieces since it was loose (bolts had been broken) and I've never had these warnings since.
Old 01-13-2004, 12:57 PM
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I have had the same warnings in the past. I ended up checking all of my bulbs and replacing ones that had some questionable contacts. It worked for a long time, but I think I need to do it again, because I am also getting the warning!
Old 01-13-2004, 01:47 PM
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License plate bulb?
Old 01-13-2004, 02:36 PM
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Lisence plate bulb (either of them) will throw a taillight error. Try simply removing/reseating all of the bulbs, especially the little 194'*. If it says 'taillight' it won't be a turn or brake light. Cleaning the contacts with a small brush (wire brush is best) may help also.
Old 01-22-2004, 09:01 AM
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I experienced this problem with my 97 SSE. No bulbs out; dealer told me it was the module and wanted to sell me one for over $500. For some reason it wasn't covered under the electrical part of my extended warranty. Go figure. I opted to put up with the ding ding ding and I'm glad I did. R.I.P. 12/13/03.
Old 01-22-2004, 07:23 PM
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License plate bulbs most defintely...At least that was my problem one time...took me forever to tarck that one...AND yes there are two of them...
Old 01-23-2004, 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 94SuperWhiteLight
I have had the same warnings in the past. I ended up checking all of my bulbs and replacing ones that had some questionable contacts. It worked for a long time, but I think I need to do it again, because I am also getting the warning!
Yes, I had problems with an intermittent contact in the socket for the high-mount brake light. I'd get a warning, but whenever I got out and checked, the bulb would be working again. See if you've got loose connections or a bad bulb that'* flickering (e.g. a broken filament that hasn't totally fallen apart yet).

The Adaptive Lamp Monitor monitors current flow on each circuit and compares it to the amount it saw "last time," whenever the circuit went hot previously, and complains at you if there'* less current flow than before. It has to do a re-learn every time the battery is disconnected.
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