I checked the #6 fuse on the passenger side floor - fuse was fine.
Replaced the MFS switch assembly - still no tail lights. What else should I check?
Thank you.

 

Changed out the relay # 43 in the fuse compartment - still no tail lights !!!

 

Probably need not ask, bwth, did you check both bulbs? Murphy's law could have happened.

 

For reasons only GM could understand, the brake lights go through the turn signal switch, on the steering column. If you google something along the lines of 'C5 corvette no brake lights' you'll find lots of previous postings with issues similar, if not exactly the same as yours, several with wiring diagrams attached. Do you for certain have front and rear turn signals? How about the third brake light?

 

I have all the lights working except for tail lights, rear markers and license plate lights. I have replaced all the bulbs, relay, MFS switch and the # 6 fuse. I used a power checking gadget which checks voltage etc.... i was able to light up all the bulbs in the circuit when I did that...also checked the wires between the muffler and tire ...everythig seems fine....last resort I have an appointment with the dealer on Monday.....if you can think of anything else help woul dbe appreciated ....Thank you.

 

Tail lights as in running lamps, not brake lights? Brake lights go through the hazard flasher as well as the MFS.
if you search for brake light issues, several of the resulting threads show wiring for both running and brake lights.

 

Is there a diagram showing the path way of the brown wire from the fuse block to the first light bulb of the tail lights.....the reason is the dealer service also stated that all parts are fine and all they needed to do is replace that wire with non factory on diagnosis. The cost for doing that was exorbitant....approximately $1k. So I picked up the car and told them not to do anything else...for that I was charged $150.

 

 

Thank you.

 

Today I have verified that all wires at the rear are all connected and workign just fine. I was able to power a single bulb and bulbs in the series all light up fine. This shows that there are no broken or disconnected wires. Next adventure is to check the connector between the wheel and muffler.
Are there any other connectors between there and the fuse block?

 

What happens when you activate the hazard switch?

 

The flashers work in the front and back per design. No issues. In fact when I drive early or at dusk I turn on the flashers to cover for the lack of the tail lights.

 

Ok let's get you a fix.
After reviewing your thread, you were on the correct fix approach since the all the parking lights at the back of the car are inop which indicates (to me) a "single point failure" to cause all those lights to be inop....
Reviewing the schematic for your 2002 model year, there are some areas with checking for damages wires/pins/connectors...

Connector C140> Transmission harness to forward lamp harness, RH side in engine compartment, below the battery....
Recommend you remove the battery and battery tray and perform a detailed visual inspection on this connector wires to include the male and female pin on connectors...
A challenge here is that you need to check PIN "A" for power with the battery/tray removed to access the connector...so do not take any risks here simply disconnect the plug for basic continuity checks and good eyeball inspection...Post up any findings?

Connector C400>Transmission harness to rear body harness, RR wheelhouse, rear of the control arm...
OK if Connector C140 has no issues then you will need to put the battery tray and battery back in the car for the Connector C400 power check.

Connector C400> inspection checks> perform a detailed visual inspection on this connector wires to include the male and female pin on connectors.
With the parking lights turned ON> check PIN "E" for power...Post up any findings?

If you do not have power on PIN "E" of Connector C400, the failure is forward and you will need to revisit the C140 connector again...

Splice Group S484> Rear body harness, approximately 8.0 cm (3.1 in) left of the splice pack 400 breakout (CKT 24)...
With the system turned "ON" and you are getting power PIN "E" of Connector C400...Then you will need to look at Splice Group S484...





Post up any findings,
Cheers,
Goose

 

Connector at rear between tire and muffler

Connector at rear between tire and muffler...see wire disconnected. Does not go to pin.
So I disconnected the connectors and tried to power the bulbs with the gadget I used to power the bulbs.....no lighting. I connected the connectors together and then when I power the bulbs with the probe it lights all the tail lights, side marker and license plate lights. Not sure the disconnected wire plays a part. The connector has six pins in 7 pin connector all those 6 spots are taken up by the wires coming and the loose wire you see is the 7th spot however there is no pin from the male connector.....so may not have any effect on the connection. Advise? I am now going to go forward with the instructions noted by Goose.

 

One of the harnesses in the engine battery compartment had the brown wire cut and routed as a blue wire with a 7.5 amp fuse. The fuse was blown and I just replaced it. Have not powered it up with the battery. All other connectors seem to look ok thus far. Have not exhausted your instructions yet.

 

After seeing you photos, need a little background on this cars history...please advise if this car has or had any exterior light modification made to this car such as chassis glow lights or wheel arch lights...?
that wire splice with the in-mine fuse should not be there...also the plug at the back of the car needs to be checked for the wire that looks damaged with the red circle...

cheers,
goose

 

Hi Goose,
Replaced that fuse. The lights came back on as it should. There are no modifications to the vehicle as far as I can tell. I got it at 31K miles. It has some important history behind the vehicle hence the acquisition. I will have to compare the connectors and the splice from the brown wire to a blue as that goes through the fire wall probably to the front fuse box in the passenger footwear.
I did see that fuse beside the battery and it was smeared with grease so I could not tell. Also since the outgoing wire was blue I was focused on the brown wire. Since I took out the battery and took the wire mask of off it is when I saw the brown wire. Your instructions to trace back helped to see the full picture. Furthermore all of those connectors are pinned to the side fender wall and not below the battery tray. Thank you immensely for providing instructions. Really appreciate it !!!!