Why is there no power to my rear tail light?
If your rear tail light is not working, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a blown fuse, a faulty bulb, or a wiring issue. In this article, we'll explore the common causes and steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Potential Causes of a Non-Working Rear Tail Light
There are several possible reasons why your rear tail light may not be functioning:
- Blown Fuse: The rear tail light is typically connected to a fuse in your vehicle's fuse box. If the fuse has blown, it will need to be replaced. Check your owner's manual or the fuse box itself to locate the correct fuse and replace it.
- Faulty Bulb: The bulb in the rear tail light may have burned out and needs to be replaced. This is a common issue, and you can usually find replacement bulbs at an auto parts store.
- Wiring Issue: There could be a problem with the wiring that connects the rear tail light to the vehicle's electrical system. This could be a loose connection, a damaged wire, or a problem with the tail light socket.
- Malfunctioning Tail Light Assembly: In some cases, the entire tail light assembly may be faulty and need to be replaced.
To determine the exact cause of the issue, you'll need to inspect the rear tail light and the surrounding components.
Troubleshooting Steps
Here are the steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix a non-working rear tail light:
- Check the Fuse: Locate the fuse box in your vehicle and check the fuse for the rear tail light circuit. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
- Inspect the Bulb: Remove the rear tail light cover and check the bulb. If the bulb is burned out, replace it with a new one of the same type and wattage.
- Inspect the Wiring: Visually inspect the wiring that connects the rear tail light to the vehicle's electrical system. Look for any loose connections, damaged wires, or issues with the tail light socket.
- Test the Tail Light Circuit: Use a multimeter to test the voltage and continuity of the tail light circuit. This can help you identify any electrical issues that may be causing the problem.
- Replace the Tail Light Assembly: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, the entire tail light assembly may need to be replaced.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and fix the issue with your rear tail light. If you're unsure about any of the steps or don't feel comfortable working on your vehicle, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.
Why does my tail light not work but my brake light does?
Faulty Tail Light Bulbs
In many vehicles, the brake light and tail light use the same dual filament bulb. Hence, if one of these filaments breaks, the tail light may stop working while the brake light continues to function.
Why would one tail light work and not the other?
Faulty wiring: There may be a problem with the wiring or a loose connection specifically on that side of the brake light. Check the wiring harness and connections to ensure they are secure and not damaged. 2. Blown fuse: The brake lights usually have a separate fuse for each side.
Does each tail light have its own fuse?
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. Look in your owner's manual to determine where the fuse box is located in your car.
Where is the rear tail light fuse located?
The tail light fuse is usually in the fuse box under the hood or inside the cabin near the dashboard. The tail light fuse or parking lamp fuse is a metal band inside a plastic container that breaks when it gets too much current. Don't remove the fuse by hand. Use a fuse puller to safely remove it.
How to tell if a tail light socket is bad?
Test the socket by attaching the clip of the continuity tester to the hot screw terminal, the black wire lead. Then, touch the probe to the metal tab in the bottom of the socket. The tester should glow. If it doesn't, the socket is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Where is the rear brake light switch located and what activates it?
The brake light switch is usually under the dashboard or on top of the brake pedal. The switch turns on the brake lights at the vehicle's back when braking.
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.
Is it illegal to drive with one tail light out?
Driving with a broken tail light can lead to being pulled over by a police officer, and potentially getting a ticket.
How do I know if my tail light fuse is blown?
By hand or pliers. But a much faster way of checking fuses is by using a test light. There are two metal points on the back of each fuse. Ground the test lamp. And touch those points.
Why are my tail lights not getting power?
Blown light bulbs. This is the most common reason why tail lights and brake lights stop working. Check the bulbs and replace them if they are blown. Faulty fuse. The fuse that powers the tail lights, brake lights, and reverse lights may have blown. Check the fuse box and replace the fuse if it is blown. Wiring problem.
