Help for mom's car please..back light panel

[iamjustifyd]

Hello! First time posting but I've done a lot of searching and reading here. 2002 Buick Le Sabre..she thought the reverse lights were out. Bought some new bulbs and put them in but when I checked them that whole back light panel isn't working. The lights on the ends are working, the ones not connected to the trunk. Blinkers front and back work, headlights are fine, running and brake lights on the ends are working, 3rd brake light works too. Just that whole panel. Called her mechanic and they said sounds like the brake switch. I'm gonna look at the wiring when I get home and make sure it's all connected and not frayed or broke. Any ideas? Brake switch sounds right? I checked the fuse for reverse lights & it was ok
Thanks so much!

 

[HotZ28]

Welcome to the forums! The brake light switch has nothing to do with the back-up lights. You have either a power, or ground issue in that circuit. Have you checked all fuses in the circuit?

 

[Spriteman]

Here's a diagram that may help -




If it's too small to read - just PM me with your email and I'll forward the original PDF file - you'll be able to zoom in more.

 

[iamjustifyd]

Thanks so much!! Waiting for a weekend day with no rain so I can test the wires/ground. I checked the fuses and they were ok.

 

[oldschool]

That panel on the trunk lid does not have brake lights. Those are single filament bulbs for running lights only. They burn out frequently unless you use heavy duty/long life bulbs. This is caused by the beating they take every time the trunk is slammed shut. Could be a connector is unplugged somewhere in the trunk?