So I have a 97 (first year with the amber signal lights in the rear). I've been having issues with both my inner taillights. They only work intermittently, sometimes bright, sometimes dim, sometimes my brake lights won't work with my lights on, sometimes the CHMSL will stay on dim with the taillights. Bottom line is, rarely is everything lighting up all at once the way it's supposed to. I checked the 2 connectors and ground near the trunk latch bracket, all looks well. I also checked the ground near the dome light for the brake light, it looks OK. Anybody had this problem before? Where else should I look for issues?

 

Mine were full of water and the contacts on the sockets were corroded. Also, someone put the wrong bulbs in it. Check your manual for the correct bulb numbers. My rear turn signals still don't work with the brake lights on.

 

also take the wires lose on the ground at the hatch release support in the center of the rear hatch. clean them and look for any signs of damage.