1998 Chevrolet Lumina Exterior lighting Problems

“This problem exists bwhen the vehicle is sationary and in transit. It appears to be intermitten as well. My brake lights work when I am braking, but they seem to intermittenly be failing when I use my directional switch (4 way). I have been advised on 3 occassions, twice by sheriff's deputies that my brake lights are not working. But they do work except when the directionals are on. After some research we have discovered that replacing the 4 way switch will resolve the problem. May I note that I have never had this device fail in any of my vehicles ever. …”

“We bought the car used. At time of purchase brake lights appeared to work. Same evening, the two rear/side brake lights did not work (the third/middle light works). We did some trouble shooting, replaced bulbs, checked for shorts. In our research we found that this is in fact a common problem among GM sedans and is caused by failure of the multifunction switch in the steering column. The switch contacts commonly fail when the switch begins to loosen/disintigrate. This causes a variety of issues among the systems that pass through that switch. …”

“The multi purpose switch (turn signal) on my 1998 chevy Lumina doesn't work everytime a use the turn signal switch my brake lights go out and I have to wiggle the switch until my brake light come back on. I switched the lever but the problem continues.”

“Both rear brake lights have failed and only the center high mounted lights are working. I replaced the bulbs but taht did not help so I did a little troubleshooting and found that the bulbs worked as they lit up when I used the signal lights, hazard lights, and head lights. I next tried replacing the turn signal/harzard flasher but this did not resolve the problem. I checked on the internet and found that several people have had this problem and the failure was caused by a faulty turn signal lever and that if this part was wiggled the lights would work again. …”

“The two main brake lights no longer come on when brakes are applied. The 3rd brake light in rear window still works. Both bulbs were checked and even replaced to no avail. The turn signals flash at a high speed, unless the turn signal lever is manipulated with a slight pull/push. Checked several internet sites on the problem, and it seems it may be the directional signal switch. Not sure if this is a major fix with specialized tools if the problem is in the steering column.”