In need of a Master Electrician!?!?!?

**transam_00** · 08-10-2010, 05:05 PM

So I've had this weird problem and before I go spend an ass-load at an autoshop maybe someone can help me. I have a 2000 trans am m6. When the lighting switch is in the off position the left drl/turn signal is dim and the right is bright. Same situation when in parking position. But when I turn it to the headlight position the left drl/turn signal get bright and the right is fim. I realize there are 2 filaments but I have no idea whats going on here. Any input it welcome.

**Marc 85Z28** · 08-11-2010, 05:49 AM

Replace your corroded front turn signal/parking light sockets.

**0rion** · 08-11-2010, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by Marc 85Z28

Replace your corroded front turn signal/parking light sockets.

yep, start here. Check all the sockets for corrosion. Pretty common.

**98 RAM AIR CRBN** · 08-11-2010, 01:21 PM

sounds to me someone wired the plug backwards. The bright and dim issue is opposite when lights are on and off

**KMdef9** · 08-11-2010, 03:12 PM

try putting the bulb in the opposite way.

**Marc 85Z28** · 08-12-2010, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by 98 RAM AIR CRBN

sounds to me someone wired the plug backwards. The bright and dim issue is opposite when lights are on and off

The corrosion in the sockets build excessive resistance on the ground circuit. The current feeds back up through the turn signal indicator looking for a path to ground. Because there are now multiple loads (bulbs filaments) in series on the circuit, it illuminates dimly.

**transam_00** · 08-12-2010, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by 98 RAM AIR CRBN

sounds to me someone wired the plug backwards. The bright and dim issue is opposite when lights are on and off

I have repalced the sockets and bulbs, i did a one for one swap when crimping the new sockets but maybe I did wire it backwards. So should the drl's be dim or bright? should the turn signal be bright or dim? neither side is consistent in any mode, one bulb is bright, the other is dim, same illumination with the turn signal, it just blinks instead of being solid.

**transam_00** · 08-12-2010, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Marc 85Z28

The corrosion in the sockets build excessive resistance on the ground circuit. The current feeds back up through the turn signal indicator looking for a path to ground. Because there are now multiple loads (bulbs filaments) in series on the circuit, it illuminates dimly.

So what should i do? replace the sockets? is there any other option other than using the shitty oem sockets/bulbs? i've heard of people using fog lights as drl's? im not sure how they mounted them tho.

**98 RAM AIR CRBN** · 08-12-2010, 06:29 PM

I'm not sure but i would think the daytime running lights should be the brightest

**rbob93** · 08-13-2010, 09:37 AM

DRL's are dim.....turn signals are bright

**Z28_Driver** · 08-13-2010, 01:59 PM

Sounds like increased resistance in the circuit. Probably corrosion. Don't overlook the switch and other connections in the circuit. Sometimes even get it on the fuse block.

**Too Fast** · 08-13-2010, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by rbob93

DRL's are dim.....turn signals are bright

Uh, not correct for Trans Ams. The amber DRLs should be the same intensity as the turn signals (bright), that is the same element in the bulb.

OP, sounds like you wired one front side wrong. An easy way to tell is with the key off, put on your parking lights. Walk around the car, see which lights are on and at what intensity (nothing should be on brighter that others). Next, turn on the 4 way flashers (hazards), walk around again. Now, the front two should be equal brightness when they flash, as well as 2 on each side in the back. If you have a front one flashing opposite, that is the one with the wiring mis-wired.

**transam_00** · 08-14-2010, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Too Fast

Uh, not correct for Trans Ams. The amber DRLs should be the same intensity as the turn signals (bright), that is the same element in the bulb.

OP, sounds like you wired one front side wrong. An easy way to tell is with the key off, put on your parking lights. Walk around the car, see which lights are on and at what intensity (nothing should be on brighter that others). Next, turn on the 4 way flashers (hazards), walk around again. Now, the front two should be equal brightness when they flash, as well as 2 on each side in the back. If you have a front one flashing opposite, that is the one with the wiring mis-wired.

Thank you, this is the answer Ive been looking for, unfortunately I ahve a lot bigger problems (water somehow got in my power steering fluid) and its fucking shit up. I greatly apprecaite all the help guys.

**Marc 85Z28** · 08-15-2010, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by transam_00

Thank you, this is the answer Ive been looking for, unfortunately I ahve a lot bigger problems (water somehow got in my power steering fluid) and its fucking shit up. I greatly apprecaite all the help guys.

The power steering cooler in the upper radiator hose can leak internally causing that.