96 Galant Strange Lighting Problem

Can anyone advise me on this. From the parking lot of the hospital the other night, I found my headlights on (maybe user error) however no tail lights. When I got in the car, I started it fine, headlights ok, but no dashlights unless I press the brakes, also no tail lights, everything else ok.

Had the mechanic friend check the fuse, found a blown taillight fuse and a lighbulb popped out of its socket on the rear side, both fixed now both work including my dash, with the exception of now when I press the brakes with the car off, and lights off, my dash lights come on and a bell or light indicator comes on too (when the door is open) , also the gear shift lights light up on the shifter which is between the driver and passenger seat.(also I have noticed that my lower parking lights arent working. The mechanic said that he checked all the fuses and they are good, and those arent supposed to be on unless I put my turn signals on- which I have the manual here and it shows they are parking lights too,. the only thing I noted is that he placed a 20 amp in a 10 am slot for the tail lights, could I have a bulb out in the parking lights causing all this what could cause the indicator bell to sound when I press the brakes? I am so afraid to take it to a mechanic that I dont know in fear of having never ending problems or problems that I wont be able to afford.

The car has alarm system that is set by key or remote (i never got the remote), I was wondering if maybe that went off while I was inside and shorted something?

 Check to see if any front lights come on when you press the brake pedal.. usually when I see something like this I first suspect a bad brakelight bulb - the filament has come apart and when you energize the brake light circuit the dropped filament energizes the parking light circuit.

 Let us know what you find.

 regards,

 Jim

Thank you very much Jim,

You hit it right on the spot, exactly. Although I took it thursday to a mechanic that was referred to me and they found that to be the problem. I am so glad thats all it was. I would've never thought that a bad buld could cause all those electrical problems. (by the way the parking lights did come on when pressing the brake peddal)

Thanks again

Shar_kb