[alabamasho]

okay friends. workin on soninlaw's 1995 k1500, checked all fuses but dont have any reverse lights. also brake lights work with headlamps off, but turn headlamps on? no brake or taillights. all fuses good, cant seem to find ground wire loose or bad. and course all bulbs are good. changed them twice. thanks for input.

[vicrod]

There is no logical reason for the problems you describe except poor grounding.
Make sure the tail lights are grounded. The entire PU bed possibly is not grounded.
A ground strap may be present but it may not be making a good electrical connection.
Test this idea by using a long jumper connected to the negative terminal of the battery and then ground various problem areas such as the tail lights.

vicrod

[alabamasho]

yessir Mr. Vicrod. sometime we need assuring when in doubt. Lettin him do a lil figurin and see how stuff works. Son in law can wire the heck outta anything electronic, computers, etc.. automotive stumps him a little. I tell ma kids I can put them on right track and git on here and ya'll wise sages know yuns stuff! Thanks for input my friend!

[WriterDennis]

I would agree that it is most likely a ground problem. With sheet metal components being made more out of plastic than steel and chassis using thinner metal for frames, I think grounding issues are going to become more prevalent. New sheet metal was already thin in 1995 and now it has aged. It may not be rusty (but maybe it is), but you can bet it doesn't conduct electricity as good as it did. Just my two cents.

Dennis W. Parks
author of automotive how-to books

[alabamasho]

yessir, i'll guide him to locating grounding straps in morning to clean and reattach, and run another ground off lights if needed. I'm just an ole bricklayer, but this forum is tha bomb! you all are awesome.

[alabamasho]

apologize not posting back sooner. rear ground to the tail lights was loose and dirty, from looks like some mudriding. removed ground straps, cleaned and reattached. all lights work perfect.