Trunk lid tail light question

[DandyDon]

I noticed that the tail/brake light located across the trunk lid on my '97 Mark VIII (neon?) isn't lighting up. When I step on the brake pedal the light flashes, then goes out. When I'm just running with the lights on, it doesn't light up at all. Anybody know what causes this, and how to fix it?

Thanks.

 

[JDS353]

just a guess but check that you have a good ground connection. it sounds like it is getting a ground thru the brake ilght system and not from the light itself. could be a bad transformer in the light itself would have to see the manuel if it does use a transformer or not but i would think it does. will have mike check this out and post later. jd

 

[DandyDon]

I checked it again last night and the light was working, both in tail light and brake light mode. I had been driving in the rain before, but didn't make the connection. Yesterday was sunny and dry. I'm not an electrician, but I'm thinking that you're on to something with the iffy ground connection. Now, how to find a bad ground????