dash tail lights

[wisehunter1]

So ever since I purchased my 02 Qx4 (few months ago), I noticed that my ac/clock/radio lights don't turn on when the light settings on auto. They work on the manual on setting.The other day, I got pulled over and the cop said my tail lights weren't on. So apparently on auto, the headlights turn on, but the tail lights, ac/radio/clock lights dont work. The instrument cluster does work and the lights turn on when i step on the brakes. So now I have to use the last light setting. Any clues on what may be the issue?
The previous owner installed a viper alarm system

[Towncivilian]

Do your parking lamps and license plate lights work?

I don't understand why your previous owner installed an aftermarket alarm. What's so poor about the stock one?

[Innovazn]

Do your parking lamps and license plate lights work?

I don't understand why your previous owner installed an aftermarket alarm. What's so poor about the stock one?

I dont know about you but the stock one doesnt sense shock or anything.......

[Chuck Tribolet]

Let's fill in a chart: The columns are the settings of the light switch, the rows are the various lights:

OFF Auto Park ON
Head lights
Fog lights
Front running lights
Front turn signals
Instrument panel
Clock/radio/etc
Rear turn signals
Tail lights
Stop (brake) lights

I just want to see that we have the big picture.

[chicoson]

it sounds to me like you have a short somewhere. i know with alot of vehicles when you blow a fuse relating to lighting the headlights and brake lights will still work but parking lights,running lights,interior lights,ect wont. this is for safety reasons. the headlights and brake lights (not runnig lights) should be on a different or dedicated circuit for this reason. check your fuses. if not you may have a bad switch.

[Chuck Tribolet]

The fact that works in ON but doesn't work in Auto means it's probably not a fuse. About the only thing it could be is the smart entry control unit but I'd want to see the big picture before being sure.

[chicoson]

^ true that is kinda wierd. i missed that part. i absolutely hate electrical issues. i never knew about a smart entry control unit. good to know.

[wisehunter1]

hey sorry about the late reply.. ive been sick these past few days and totally forgot about this.
On auto, the license plate light does not work. The viper alarm has a remote start feature but the prev owner said he disabled it.

[wisehunter1]

OFF
Head lights no
Fog lights no
Front running lights yes
Front turn signals yes
Instrument panel yes
Clock/radio/etc no
Rear turn signals yes
Tail lights no
Stop (brake) lights yes

Auto
Head lights yes
Fog lights yes
Front running lights no
Front turn signals yes
Instrument panel yes
Clock/radio/etc no
Rear turn signals yes
Tail lights no
Stop (brake) lights no

Park
Head lights no
Fog lights no
Front running lights yes
Front turn signals yes
Instrument panel yes
Clock/radio/etc yes
Rear turn signals yes
Tail lights yes
Stop (brake) lights yes

ON
Head lights yes
Fog lights yes
Front running lights no
Front turn signals yes
Instrument panel yes
Clock/radio/etc yes
Rear turn signals yes
Tail lights yes
Stop (brake) lights yes