The tail lights are a fundamental safety feature on any vehicle as they allow other drivers to be able to see you from behind, especially when it is dark or efforts being made by your headlights have reached their limit. And when it fails, not only are you and others around you in danger. That is why every driver should know how to fix the situation when your car’s tail lights are not working.
Consider rolling down a dark street just to see that your tail lights are out. Although it may seem frightening, this is not an unusual scenario. While this may be something as simple to fix as a dead bulb, it could also mean experiencing a much more complex electrical issue. Knowing what to look for and how to problem-solve many minor issues can help you fix the issue without complicated, costly mechanic work.
Read on for a more detailed look at the reasons why your tail lights may not be working, how to diagnose them step-by-step and what actions you can take next. Whether you have a blown fuse, bad light bulb or wiring trouble we will fill you in on the solution to your broken tail lights. Stay tuned, remain vigilant and continue reading to know how you can fix the tail lights on your car.
Cause of Tail Light Not Working
The below mentioned failure issues of car tail lights are usually expressed in this format:
1. Burnt-Out Bulbs
- Trick to Know: Since the most common reason behind tail light not working is a burnt out bulb. In most cases, when only one tail light doesn’t work it’s because of a single bulb failure.
- Answer: If you need to know if a bulb is burned out, just look at the tail lights (they should have been on all this time anyway). Any bulb that is dark or discolored must be replaced. Look at the manual of your motorsport to know what type is used and which will have to be fixed.
2. Blown Fuses
- Definition: A fuse located in the circuit can blow (open), depending on how much current actually flows through this particular path, when subjected to forces like a power surge or short circuit and also protect other components by restricting excessive voltage.
- Solution: Find the fuse box (usually under your dashboard or in the engine compartment) First of all, you can find the tail light fuse by referring to your vehicle’s manual. If you identify a fuse with this wire blown, then the fuser has gone bad! Change it out for a fuse of the same rating. Should the fuse blow out again, either instantly or a short time after replacing it then there is an electrical problem necessitating attention from qualified personnel.
3. Faulty Wiring
- Diagnosis: There may be damage to wiring caused by an accident, corrosion or just wear-and-tear. Symptoms of bad flasher may include tail lights that work on and off or not at all.
- Solution: Ensure the wiring harnesses of all connected tail lights. Check for the visible damage of fraying, cuts or corrosion. Make sure all of the connections are secure and free from any litter. If any wiring is damaged, repair or replace that wire as needed. If you have complex wiring problems; consult a professional mechanic or experienced auto electrician for adequate diagnosis and repair.
4. Faulty Switch or Bulb Holder
- Identification: It might not always be the bulbs or fuses, but just with that of a switch which operates those tail lights or within bulb holders.
- Solution: Turn Tail Light Switch On, Off Make sure that it disengages smoothly, no bindings or grinding noises. Check the bulb holders as they may have been obviously damaged or appear to be corroded preventing proper contact with the bulbs. The inside of the switch or bulb holders should be cleaned, or changed if needed.
5. Moisture or Water Damage
- Affected-area: Tail light assemblies sometimes are produced with either a cracked or inferior seal that can lead saturation of moisture. Corrosion of bulbs, connectors or wiring can ensue resulting in failure.
- Fix: Check the tail light assemblies for any sign of cracks or any other kinds damage Repair any damaged assemblies or seals to prevent future ingress of moisture barriers. Then dry off any moisture and make sure everything is clean, me personally like my shit put back together right after so that way all the components are dry by time next use.
How to Diagnose Tail Light Probs Step-by-Step
When your car tail lights stop working, diagnosing and repairing the issue using a methodical procedure will enable you to discover what is at fault and replace it as required:
1. Verify the Issue
- Use LightingBe sure to turn on your headlights and parking lights Look on your tail lights… do they not work at all or are they dim?
- Inspect Dashboard Indicator: Certain vehicles come equipped with dashboard indicators that indicate when a light has gone out. Check for tail lights indicator if it is lit.
2. Inspect Both Tail Lights
- Look at Both Ends: You may likewise stroll around your lorry to examine equally tail illumination. Remember if neither or both light up.
- Do a Physical Inspection: Examine the lens for cracks or look inside to check if there’s moisture in it, which will tell you that your car has sealing problems.
3. Test the Brake Lights
- Step on the Brake Pedal: Have someone watch the back of your vehicle and press the brake pedal. Push on the brake pedal and see if you can make it light up properly.
- A Differentiate Issues: Even if both are the same problem with two different presentations, something affecting ONLY your tail lights (not brake light) can be separated into its own underlying issues.
4. Check Bulbs
- Step 2: Access Bulb HousingRefer to your vehicle manual in order for you to access the bulb housing, ideally it is located outside at the back.
- Check the Bulbs: Gently pull out the bulbs from their socket. If any of the filaments are darkened or broken, you have a bad bulb.
- Fit New Bulbs: Make sure to replace any blown bulbs with the correct type and wattage. Make sure the bulb sits firmly in the socket.
5. Inspect Fuses
- Find The Fuse Box: Check the manual of your car for this information, often found under the dashboard and/or in true engine.
- The first thing to check is the tail light fuse which can be identified by their markings. Check with a fuse tester or look for a visibly broken wire in the clear portion of the plastic.
- Blown Fuse: If the fuse is blown, replace with a new one of the same amperage. Test the new lights to check they work fine and will turn on.
6. Check Wiring and Connections
- Visual Inspection: check the wiring harness going to the tail lights for any damage that may be visible — fraying, cuts or corrosion.
- Check Electrical connections (ensure all wiring connectors are tight and free from dirt) If it is corroded, clean up the corrosion using electrical contact cleaner.
- To Fix or Replace: Repair wiring and connectors as required. Wire everything securely, and make sure you insulate properly.
7. Test Tail Lights Again
- Test Lights: Before winding up the installation or repair work, switch on your car lights to see if everything turned out correct in rear end tail light replacement.
- View Operation: Inspect each of the tail lights at all angles to ensure they are properly lit and working.
8. When All Else Fails, Call a Pro
- If your tail lights are still not working after doing all the procedures, have it checked by a qualified mechanic or auto electrician.
- Complex Electrical Problems: Any electrical issues other than basic bulb or fuse replacement could require special equipment and knowledge to diagnose and repair.
How to Keep Your Tail Lights Well-Working
It is important for you to take care of your tail lights, so that the necessary security measures are followed and unpleasant situations do not occur. In this blog post, we have shared a few tips to help you take care of your taillights.
1. Regular Inspections
- Once a Month: Spend just a couple minutes each month, to check all exterior lights on your vehicle which includes tail lights. Inspect for damage, such as a cracked lense or water in the housing
- Operational Inspection: Turn lights on and walk around to ensure all tail lamps are workin Here, we can include the tail lights (standard ISO 60923-2009) and stop signaling service.
2. Keep Spare Bulbs
- Smart: Make sure you carry spare bulbs in your emergency roadside kit. With this feature, you can replace the bulb as soon it burns out without causing additional delay.
- Perpetual Replacement: When you see a tail light bulb is dim or out, replace the dead and alive bulbs promptly to stay visible while riding around town.
3. Clean Connections
- Clean Corrosion: Your tail lights operate off of electrical connections which can build up with corrosion over time.
- STEP 5 Periodically clean away corrosion at the bulb sockets and/or wire connectors with an electrical contact cleaner. Allow plugs to dry out and completely before attaching bulbs.
4. Protect Against Moisture
- Inspect Seals: Discolored or cracked seals around your tail light assemblies are a telltale sign that they need to be replaced. Water getting into the drive motor can damage it, leading to electrical shorts and corrosion.
- Damaged Seals Replacement: If you see condensation inside the tail light, make sure to replace all seals without delay before it causes further issues.
5. Professional Check-Ups
- Annual Inspection: Ask your mechanic who does routine maintenance visits to check all lights that can include tail lamps.
- If you are having repeat tail light problems, or if your car seems to have a more sinister electrical fault then contact an expert mechanic or auto electrician.
6. Protective Coatings
- UV Protection: Protect your tail lights exterior lens with a coat of wax or sealant. This technology mitigates UV damage that discolors the lenses and diminishes light output over time.
- Clarity: If you have a truly clear lens (many are lightly tinted,) they provide high contrast to help keep your vision sharp, even in low-light.
7. Avoid DIY Modifications
- Warranty: Do not alter the wiring of your vehicle in a way that is prohibited by the manufacturer. All of these changes may violate warranties and safety regulations.
- Be sure to consult professionals if you intend on installing aftermarket lighting accessories, or making alterations so that they are compatible and regulated.
