Can a blown fuse make your tail lights not work?

Yes, a blown fuse can cause your tail lights to stop working. The tail lights on your vehicle are powered by the electrical system, and a blown fuse can interrupt that power supply, leading to the lights not functioning properly.

Understanding the Role of Fuses in Your Vehicle's Electrical System

Fuses are an essential component of a vehicle's electrical system, acting as safety devices to protect the wiring and other electrical components from damage due to short circuits or overloads. Each circuit in your car has a designated fuse that is designed to "blow" or disconnect the circuit if the current flow exceeds a safe level.

The tail lights on your vehicle are typically connected to a specific fuse in the fuse box. If that fuse blows, it will cut off the power supply to the tail lights, causing them to stop working.

Symptoms of a Blown Fuse Affecting the Tail Lights

• Tail lights not illuminating at all


• One or more tail lights not working, while others are still functioning


• Intermittent or flickering tail light operation

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good indication that a blown fuse may be the culprit behind your tail light issues.

Troubleshooting and Replacing a Blown Fuse

To troubleshoot and replace a blown fuse, follow these steps:

1. Locate the fuse box in your vehicle, which is typically found in the engine compartment or under the dashboard.


2. Identify the fuse that corresponds to the tail light circuit, usually labeled "Tail Lights" or something similar.


3. Carefully remove the fuse and inspect it. If the metal strip inside the fuse is broken or discolored, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.


4. Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage rating, as specified in your vehicle's owner's manual.


5. Turn on the tail lights to ensure the new fuse is working and the lights are functioning properly.

If the new fuse blows immediately or the tail light issue persists, there may be a deeper electrical problem in the vehicle's wiring or other components that will require further diagnosis and repair by a qualified mechanic.

How to tell if a tail light fuse is blown?

Use a test light to see if the current is passing through the fuse. If not, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced. Change the fuse immediately and check the tail lights again. If the issue still persists, the problem is not with the fuse.

What fuse controls your tail lights?

The tail light fuse is often located in a fuse box inside the cabin near the dashboard or under the hood, and its exact position and label vary by vehicle make and model. You can find the precise location by checking the owner's manual or the diagram on the fuse box cover. For example, it could be fuse #6 in the interior fuse block of a GMC Sierra or fuses #28 and #29 in the under-hood fuse box of a newer Chevy Silverado. 
You can watch this video to see how to find the tail light fuse in a Dodge Challenger: 1mElectrical Car Repair LIVEYouTube · Sep 20, 2022
How to find the tail light fuse

1. Locate the fuse boxes: There are typically two main fuse boxes. One is under the hood, and the other is inside the vehicle, often on the driver's side of the dashboard. 
2. Consult the diagram: Find the diagram on the fuse box cover or in your vehicle's owner's manual to identify the specific fuse for the tail lights. 
3. Identify the fuse: The fuse may be labeled "Tail Lamps," "Parking Lights," "Marker Lights," or "Small Lights". 
4. Remove the fuse: Use a fuse puller to safely remove the fuse without damaging it. Never use your fingers, as it can be difficult to get a good grip. 
5. Inspect the fuse: Look at the metal band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced with a new one of the same amperage. 
6. Replace the fuse: If the fuse is blown, install a new one with the correct amperage. You can test the new fuse by turning on the headlights; you should see a clicking sound from the relay if it's working correctly. 

This video shows how to find the tail light fuse in a GMC Sierra: 34sElectrical Car Repair LIVEYouTube · Nov 8, 2023

Why did both my tail lights stop working?

Both tail lights are likely not working due to a single, common electrical issue, such as a blown fuse, a faulty relay, or a problem with the light control switch. Other possibilities include broken or corroded wiring affecting the entire circuit, or issues with the battery or grounding.
 
This video explains common reasons why brake lights might not work, including issues with bulbs, fuses, and wiring: 1mFixITYouTube · Mar 2, 2025
Common causes

• Blown fuse: A blown fuse is a very common reason for both tail lights to fail simultaneously. 
• Faulty relay: A bad tail light relay can also cause both lights to stop working.
• Bad light control switch: The switch you use to turn on your headlights and tail lights could be defective. 
• Wiring issues: The wiring harness for the tail lights could be damaged, corroded, or disconnected, disrupting the electrical flow to both lights. 
• Grounding issues: A poor ground connection for the tail light circuit will prevent the lights from working. 

What you can do

1. Check the fuse: Locate your vehicle's fuse box (often under the hood or dashboard) and check the fuse for the tail lights or parking lights. Replace it if it is blown. 
2. Check the bulbs: Even if it seems unlikely, it's worth checking the bulbs. If they use a shared bulb for tail and brake lights, a single filament failure would break both functions. 
3. Inspect the wiring: Look for any loose, frayed, or broken wires in the area of the tail lights. 
4. Test the light switch: Make sure the switch itself isn't the issue. 
5. Consult a professional: If you're unable to find the problem, take your car to a qualified mechanic to diagnose the issue. 

Can a blown fuse cause tail lights not to work?

If you have a malfunctioning tail light, it could be a matter of a blown fuse. The fuses work with your car's electrical panel and if they're blown, it can cause several lights to stop working. Replace the fuse and see if this helps. Another issue may be related to your wiring.