Rep Power: 0

I drive a 2005 Civic that yesterday developed a strange issue. About a thousand miles ago, I was in a wreck that affected the passenger side of the unibody and the tail light assembly. When I picked it up from the body shop, my friend pointed out the brakelight on the effected side wasn't working. The guys at the shop seemed confused for a while (trying different bulbs etc.); then they had me turn on the headlights--after which they said something to the effect of 'it's working, your headlights just have to be on'. I didn't quite understand why the headlights needed to be on for the brakelights to work but, I was tired of dealing with them so I left to check it out on my own. When I got home, I tested the brakelights with the headlights on and off--and they worked either way. Last night, when I applied the brake with the headlights on both blinker indicators on the dash were illuminated although somewhat dim. The blinker indicators seemed to function normaly without the brake depressed; but, As soon as I apply the brake they stop blinking and both indicators light up until the brake is released. When the headlights are not on, the blinkers function correctly regardless of the brake pedal's position. The repair work is under warranty; but, I am unsure of whether i'll be able to prove that the issue is their fault--not to mention I don't have much confidence in their abilities. Any advice/tips on what could be causing this behavior would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
MC

 
Rep Power: 309

Poor ground connection ??

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks, I'll look into that.

 
Rep Power: 425

its gotta be a wiring issue. The ground could be out, there could be a broken wire somewhere causing a short, but the tail lights being on is then powering the brake light, who knows. I hate wiring. Make the shop figure it out.