Where is the rear tail light fuse located?
The rear tail light fuse is typically found in one of your vehicle’s fuse boxes, usually labeled TAIL or TAIL LAMPS and located either in the interior fuse box under the dash or in the engine bay. Because layouts vary by make and model, always verify with your owner's manual or the fuse box diagram to identify the exact circuit.
Tail lights are part of the exterior lighting circuit, and a blown fuse is a common cause of a failed tail light. However, problems can also stem from the bulb, socket, wiring, or a bad connector. Since different vehicles place the tail-light fuse in different spots, consult the fuse box cover diagram or the vehicle’s manual to confirm the correct fuse and its amperage, including whether left and right rear lights share a fuse.
Common locations for the tail light fuse
These are the places you’re most likely to find the tail light fuse on many passenger cars.
- Interior fuse box under the dash (usually on the driver’s side) with a label such as TAIL, TAIL LAMPS, or EXTERIOR LIGHTS.
- Engine compartment fuse box, where the same label or a generic “Lighting” or “Lamps” designation may appear.
- Some trucks or SUVs may have separate fuses for the left and right rear lamps or a shared rear-light circuit.
- In certain older or European models, the fuse could be behind the glove box or under the rear seat in a dedicated panel.
Because layouts vary, always verify with the fuse box cover diagram or the owner’s manual to identify the exact fuse and its amperage.
How to identify and inspect the correct fuse
Use the following steps to locate and check the tail-light fuse accurately.
- Open the fuse box(es) and locate the diagram on the cover or in the owner’s manual.
- Look for fuses labeled "TAIL," "TAIL LAMPS," "EXTERIOR LIGHTS," or "LAMP" and note their amperage rating.
- Remove the suspected fuse one at a time and inspect for a blown filament or a darkened element; you can also use a multimeter or a fuse tester to check continuity.
- Test the tail lights after inspecting the fuses to see if the problem recurs; if a fuse blows again, there may be a short or faulty wiring, bulb, or connector.
- Replace with a fuse of the same amperage rating and reseat it firmly in the holder.
Always reset dash indicators and retest the lighting after replacement; if the fuse continues to blow, seek professional diagnosis to rule out wiring faults or a faulty tail light assembly.
Special cases: variations by vehicle type
Some vehicles have different configurations for rear lighting circuits.
- Motorcycles and ATVs often have a dedicated fuse or circuit breaker for the tail light in the main fuse box near the battery or under the seat.
- Newer cars may use smart fuses or a body control module that manages lighting; the tail-light circuit could be integrated into a larger module with non-obvious labeling.
- Many trucks and commercial vehicles provide a rear-light circuit either as a separate fuse or as part of a larger “Rear Lighting” or “Exterior Lighting” block in the engine bay fuse panel.
Knowing your specific model’s layout helps ensure you replace the correct fuse and avoid electrical issues.
When to consult the manual or a professional
If you cannot locate the correct fuse or replacing it does not restore functionality, consult the owner’s manual for the exact fuse map or contact a certified mechanic or dealership. Electrical problems can involve wiring, sockets, or the tail light assembly itself and may require a professional inspection.
Summary
In most cars, the rear tail light fuse lives in a fuse box labeled for lighting, either inside under the dash or in the engine bay. Always check the fuse box diagram or the owner’s manual for the exact fuse and amperage, as some models have separate fuses for left/right rear lights or use integrated control modules. If a fuse repeatedly blows, investigate bulbs, sockets, wiring, and connectors or seek professional help to diagnose deeper electrical faults.
Do tail lights have separate fuses?
So you can retain some of the functionality. In case of a blown fuse or a bad bulb brake lights are activated by the brake sensor located underneath the brake pedal.
Why is the tail light not working but the brake light is?
Taillights Not Working but Brake Lights Are: Common Causes Taillight bulbs burning out prematurely and faulty taillight wiring harness connections. When taillights fail but brake lights work, first check the taillight bulbs for proper filament function.
Which fuse is responsible for brake lights on a Chevy?
Then check fuse. 29. Next to it. And after that you need to check fuse. Number 38. The one right there. If you have 2017 through 19 you will guys need to check fuse. Number.
Can a fuse cause one tail light not to work?
Electrical Issues
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.
