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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 do my brake lights work but my tail lights dont?
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.
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.
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.
Why are both of my tail lights out?
A blown fuse usually causes both lights to go out. On newer cars, the tail lamps can be fused separately and/or each bulb or shared circuit can be fused. A fuse can be blown due to other problems, so you’ll need to check more than just the fuse, but it’s the right place to start.
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.
Why do my brake lights not work when my headlights are on?
The problem with brake lights that come on with headlights is probably an incorrect bulb fitted. Other common reasons include: Bulb incorrectly fitted. Faulty bulb.
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 do you check tail lights?
First, check your tail lights by turning on your headlights. If working properly, they will come on simultaneously and glow red. Next, tap your brakes and have your partner verify that the brake light bulb is shining significantly brighter than your normal tail lights.
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.
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.
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 you clean a tail light socket?
Turn off the light switch and remove the bulb again. Clean the socket with electrical contact cleaner, which is available at auto parts stores. If you see heavy corrosion, scrape it off with a small screwdriver or wire brush.
What happens when an LED bulb burns out?
Even better there is no way for this to happen. LED lights cannot burn out because there is no use of heat as in incandescent bulbs, or gases to burn out or wires to burn up. As stated previously, the LED bulb will dim with time, but it will be a much longer time than with other types of light bulbs.
How much does it cost to replace a tail light bulb?
If you don’t want to change the bulb yourself, a local dealer or auto repair shop can help. Replacing one bulb in an average car will cost $10-$55 labor plus the cost of the bulb ($1-$7). In some cars it’s easy to do; in others the taillight assembly might need to be removed in order to change a bulb.
Does AutoZone install tail 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.
How are tail lights wired?
The brake light wiring system in most cars is not overly complex. At one end, you have the lights themselves: bulbs in sockets connected to a wiring harness. At the other end is the brake switch, where the pedal presses down and creates contact that completes the circuit. The system draws power from the car’s battery.
