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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 10:48 PM
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Default C5 blinker problem

Hey guys, I own a 1999 c5 and my left taillights aren't working, and my blinker blinks rapidly when I turn the blinker to the left position. I have checked the bulbs in the taillights and they are fine, what could be my problem? Thanks!
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Old Dec 24, 2011 | 11:11 PM
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Measure for 12 volts at the socket for the bulb. Measure the ground connection from the bulb socket to the chassis. One of those two things has to be missing if the bulb is good and making good connection. Check the connection a short distance away in the wiring by disconnecting it and looking at the pins and clean if necessary. It really only takes two things for a bulb to light, voltage and ground. One has to be missing (if the bulb is really good) Keep in mind that the voltage passes through the turn signal switch and if all the other connections check good, it could possibly be in that area.
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 12:38 AM
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Our you sure both elements are good? I believe that one element is for the standard tail light and the other is the turn signal/blinker. When the indicator on the dash blinks fast it means that either the front or rear is not working.
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 12:48 AM
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Thanks guys I'll get on that, the front headlights both work, and the front blinker light even works when it is blinking rapidly! Thanks a lot
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 01:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Ls1c5vette
Thanks guys I'll get on that, the front headlights both work, and the front blinker light even works when it is blinking rapidly! Thanks a lot
It sounds like the rear bulb is the issue. I just change the right front on mine the other day. The parking light was working fine, but no turn signal, The rear blinked and the indicator on the dash was blinking fast. The rear is a lot easier to change then a front.
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by TR6speed
Our you sure both elements are good? I believe that one element is for the standard tail light and the other is the turn signal/blinker. When the indicator on the dash blinks fast it means that either the front or rear is not working.
I'd betone of you bulbs is bad.
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 10:05 AM
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You have a bad bulb in the rear, just replace it. All should be fine.

Fast blink is your indicator of a failed bulb.
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Old Dec 25, 2011 | 09:04 PM
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A broken wire or bad connection will cause fast blink, too. Just switch the bulbs between the two sides and you'll know for sure.
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Old Dec 26, 2011 | 12:35 AM
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Originally Posted by 65GGvert
A broken wire or bad connection will cause fast blink, too. Just switch the bulbs between the two sides and you'll know for sure.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 04:53 PM
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I just had this same problem, cause being the rear inboard-left lamp being completely out, and popping in a new bulb didn't help.

Solution was taking my C5 to a dealer (Selman Chevrolet in Orange--they do an excellent job with tricky problems) and having them remove the socket, and replace it. Turned out to be a cheap fix ($33) and solved my problem.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Ls1c5vette
Hey guys, ....my left taillights aren't working, and my blinker blinks rapidly when I turn the blinker to the left position. I have checked the bulbs in the taillights and they are fine, what could be my problem? Thanks!

What happens when you turn on the emergency flashers?
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 06:02 PM
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$33. hmmm, I have two brand new sockets available for $10. for both.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Jet-Jock
$33. hmmm, I have two brand new sockets available for $10. for both.
Well, they did charge me for labor, too. Even if it was a 5 minute fix, it was worth disaster avoidance (i.e. ME going in and trying to replace the socket, and mucking up the works!).
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 06:26 PM
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That's funny. I have full confidence in you that you could pop out the pins from the old socket and insert the wires into a new one. They are color coded so it shouldn't be a problem getting the wires mixed. It's probably best to drop the underside close out panel and give easy access to the lamp.

The problem is the lamps produce so much heat it damages the socket.

I ended up with some extra parts, so I've been having a sale of sorts to clear all these parts out. That's the only reason I mentioned it.
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