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The most common reason why your tail lights are not working but brake lights are is due to a bad or wrong type of light bulb installed. It can also be caused by a blown fuse, bad wirings, or corroded sockets or plugs. A faulty control light switch could also be to blame.
Why does my brake light work but not my tail light?
Why is that? The most common reason your brake lights are not working but tail lights do is a bad light bulb. It can also be caused by a blown fuse, bad brake light switch, or issues with the wirings. Either one light shines more than the other, or the taillights completely switch off when you press the brakes.
Is there a fuse for tail lights?
The tail light fuse may be located in either the fuse panel in the front passenger side of your vehicle or in the main fuse box under the hood. Once you’ve opened either the panel or the main fuse box, locate the tail light fuse. If you’re unsure which one it is, use the owner’s manual for guidance.
How do you diagnose tail light problems?
Once the fuse that controls your tail lights is identified, it can be tested using a fuse tester, which will light up if the fuse is good. If it doesn’t light up, the fuse should be replaced with one of the same size and amperage. On certain fuses, you can visually see a break in the metal wire inside a bad fuse.
Can a blown fuse make your tail lights not work?
A blown-out fuse could cause your tail lights not to work. The car fuse looks similar to any other fuse out there. To check this component, you need to locate the fuse box first. However, as you inspect the fuse box, switch off the car ignition.
How do you tell if a tail light bulb is burnt out?
As noted above, once per week, take a few minutes during your day or evening to check if all brake lights are working. If the parking lights work (meaning the rear lights that turn on when the headlights are active), but when pressing the brake light the light does not work, have the tail lamp bulb replaced.
Where is the fuse for the rear tail lights?
Like all fuses, the brake light system fuse can be found in the power distribution center, which is under the dashboard or tucked away underneath the hood.
Are brake lights and tail lights the same bulb?
On many vehicles, the tail lights and brake lights share the same bulb. One filament inside the bulb is for the tail light and the other filament is for the brake light. There are also some vehicles that have a separate bulb for each circuit.
How much does it cost to fix a tail light?
A new tail light switch, accounting for labor, will cost from $70 to $100. The plastic and colored lens over on top is a bit more pricey. Depending on the make and model of your car, a replacement tail light lens will leave you lighter by between $100, and upwards of $750.
Where is the fuse for running lights?
Locate the fuse box in the engine compartment. On most vehicles, it is directly behind the battery.
Can you drive with a broken tail light?
If your taillight is broken, don’t be surprised if you get pulled over for it. While some police officers issue citations for broken taillights – which they can do, as it is technically illegal to drive with a broken taillight – most will probably just give you a warning and tell you to get it fixed as soon as you can.
How do I know if a fuse has blown?
Remove the fuse from its holder. In some cases you may need a small screwdriver to unscrew the fuse holder cap. Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
Why did my brake lights go out?
If one or more of your brake lights isn’t working properly, it could mean one of three things: The brake light system fuse is blown, the brake light bulbs are burned out or the brake light wiring switch is broken.
Why is the light not working?
If the light does not work with a new bulb, check whether the circuit breaker or fuse governing the fixture has tripped or blown. This often happens when a bulb burns out the moment it is turned on. If the breaker fuse is not at fault, or if the bulb works but flickers or crackles, try cleaning the fixture’s socket.
Are tail lights always on?
Tail lights are like daytime running lights: they are always on. Not true. They turn on with the headlights. A lit up dashboard means all lights are on.
Can you use headlight bulbs for tail lights?
LED bulbs can be used as brake lights and even should be a preferred option due to the benefits they provide. LED taillights are brighter, faster to illuminate, and longer-lasting, making them a better option than halogens.
Why do police tap the tail light?
Police need to be able to examine a vehicle quickly before approaching it, and touching/tapping a tail light can tell cops a lot about the person being pulled over. For instance, this tactic can give the officer an idea of the driver’s mental state.
Can AutoZone change my brake lights?
The most effective way to get your hands on the correct tail light bulbs is to head to AutoZone and shop online. The website has just what you’re looking for to complete this job. You can schedule an in-store pickup, or you can have AutoZone ship them to your place.
