Driver side sidemarker lights not working
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta
Driver side sidemarker lights not working
So my passenger turn signal went out on my dad's 98 Coupe. My dad got his C5 up on stands and started replacing the shocks and tie rods and at the same time took out the lighting assembles so we could replace the bulbs. I thought it would be best to go ahead and replace the bulbs with LED Switchbacks for the DRL/Turn Signals and LEDs for the sidemarker lights. I also installed a Hyperflash kit under the dash. This way, we don't have to worry about bulbs anytime soon.
Now here is the weird thing. All of the lights work on the car perfectly except for the side marker lights on the driver side. The turn signals work, daylight running lights, headlights, taillights, etc. The passenger side sidemarker lights work perfectly as well. However the drivers side does not. This includes the side marker light up front and in the rear.
I checked fuse #8 under the hood, it is good. Interestingly enough, it is missing the relay in spot 37 but that may just be something for this particular car. I've done some research and the only thing I can think of is to try to repair/replace the Multi-function switch. However it seems strange that the Multi-function switch would have an impact on only one side of the side marker lights instead of all of them.
Has anyone else encountered something like this before? Are there any other suggestions I could look at. As always, thanks for any help our guidance you can provide.
Now here is the weird thing. All of the lights work on the car perfectly except for the side marker lights on the driver side. The turn signals work, daylight running lights, headlights, taillights, etc. The passenger side sidemarker lights work perfectly as well. However the drivers side does not. This includes the side marker light up front and in the rear.
I checked fuse #8 under the hood, it is good. Interestingly enough, it is missing the relay in spot 37 but that may just be something for this particular car. I've done some research and the only thing I can think of is to try to repair/replace the Multi-function switch. However it seems strange that the Multi-function switch would have an impact on only one side of the side marker lights instead of all of them.
Has anyone else encountered something like this before? Are there any other suggestions I could look at. As always, thanks for any help our guidance you can provide.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
@OuiMan 
Some LED bulbs are designed so the way they are inserted won't matter, but many (most) are polarity-sensitive.
Since both driver's side markers are not working, it could just be that one (or both) are backwards. I would reinstall both OEM bulbs and test to make sure everything works, and then swap just one of them with LED, inverting its polarity if needed. Once that one is working, then do the same with the remaining OEM bulb.
Some LED bulbs are designed so the way they are inserted won't matter, but many (most) are polarity-sensitive.Since both driver's side markers are not working, it could just be that one (or both) are backwards. I would reinstall both OEM bulbs and test to make sure everything works, and then swap just one of them with LED, inverting its polarity if needed. Once that one is working, then do the same with the remaining OEM bulb.
Last edited by GCG; Apr 2, 2020 at 01:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta
So shortly after posting this, my dad got Covid-19 and it took him a few weeks to get over it. This past weekend he felt better and tried turning the light bulbs around. Low and behold, it worked! Thank you for all your help and suggestions.
