drivers side parking lights always on

[mogavero]

Hello,
I just took my car in for an inspection the other day and it failed because my drivers side sidemarker light was inoperable (along with needing new rear shocks) I went out and bought a new light bulb at napa and proceeded to install the bulb. In process, I blew the fuse (dumb!), although I didn't know exactly what it was at the time. I ended up taking apart the blinker light as well and pulled apart the wires to see what was behind there. Now, after I have put everything back together and installed a new fuse. The front and rear drivers side lights are always on. WHAT HAVE ID DONE??!?! I took apart the passenger side light and peeked inside to verify that I had all my wires plugged into the correct post. I tried mimicking the setup of the passenger side as well as an opposite configuration but I get the same results no matter how the wires are plugged in. I bought this car with the intention of doing as much fixing and upgrading as I could myself. Granted, I have never been automotively inclined but I figured I would tackle one job at a time starting out small and moving up. I have bentley books, 101, pets cd, etc. but I am frustrated that I can't even change a freakin light bulb. I am not giving up, just frustrated when something that seems easy turns into a mess.

[carnut169]

The car is set up so that if you have the turn signal to the left w/ the ignition off the drivers side parking lights will stay on- same for the other side and the right turn signal... check that.

[mogavero]

I don't know if I would feel happy or just plain dumb to find out that was the fix

[Targa77]

You're not dumb. I did the same thing on my car once.

[joehahn]

yeah, unfortunately....me too.

Joe 68 L

[MBAtarga]

Me three!

[ChrisBennet]

*cough* me too

[MonkeyBoy]

same here

[mike f]

At night it's not a problem, but if by accident you hit the turn signal during the day and don't notice the lights on, hours later it could be a bummer. Came out from filling up with gas after the Hershey meet and I saw that's what I did. Luckily it was only for a few minutes.

I have almost the opposite problem, however. My passenger side parking lights won't turn on when the lights do. The turn signal works, as do the parking lights with the turn signal activated with the ignition off. I think it might be the light switch but haven't had a chance yet to pull it and check. This is the only thing I can think of since I am sure the current to the bulbs is otherwise intact.

[mogavero]

Well, got home and sure enough, blinker was down. Oh well. 2 good things, 1) I don't have to take it anywhere for a more serious problem and 2) at least I can change a light bulb...on to bigger and better fixes and mods! Thanks!!

[304065]

How to check a mechanic's honesty: flip it back DOWN and take it to him, complaining that the light is always on.

Probably entrapment but would be an interesting, if somewhat twisted, exercise.