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However, it can also be caused by a bad ambient light sensor, which tells the car when it should be time to light up the taillights. This is different in different parts of the world, but have you ensured that it is just not too light outside for your tail light to come on? This means that they will shut off if there is daylight. Modern cars have automatic parking lights when it is dark outside. However, if the damage is bad enough, you’ll need to replace the socket. If there is corrosion, use a wire brush and WD-40 to clean the socket. Whenever you’re replacing a bulb, you should look at the socket itself to see if it’s in good shape. These sockets can rust and corrode when they get exposed to the elements, leading to all sorts of electrical problems. While this can lead to problems all over, the most vulnerable area is the socket itself. If your vehicle’s taillights aren’t sealing properly, then everything inside gets exposed to the elements. Broken wires crossed lines, and excessive corrosion are all common issues, especially for older vehicles. They can be a pain to troubleshoot and pinpoint the exact problem, but that doesn’t stop them from cropping up from time to time. Wiring issues are the bane of many mechanic’s existences. When this part is faulty, you will most often also lose the front parking lights.
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The control switch in the cab of your vehicle tells your taillights when you want them on, and if the switch isn’t working the way it should, you’ll never get your taillights on! Faulty Control SwitchĪt home mechanics often overlook it, but it’s one of the most common reasons your taillights will stop working. It can be tempting to up the amperage to ensure that it doesn’t blow again, but too much amperage can lead to bigger problems if the fuse doesn’t protect the system like it’s supposed to! 3. When you’re getting a new fuse, always use the correct amp fuse. If the problem moves, then the fuse is the problem! If you can’t tell if it’s burnt out, swap the fuse with another fuse with the same amperage. If you don’t have either, you simply remove the taillight fuse and look at it. All you need to do to check is locate your vehicle’s fuse box and check the fuse with a test light or a multimeter. While you may have a few burnt out bulbs, the more likely option is that your vehicle has a burnt-out taillight fuse. If you’ve already ditched the old bulbs, check your owner’s manual or Google to try and find the correct bulb for your vehicle! Keep in mind that the brand doesn’t matter, but the part numbers need to be cross-compatible if you’re switching brands. If you still have the old bulbs check the part number and compare it to the replacement bulbs. Some people think that if it fits, then it’s the right bulb. If the taillight bulb burns out, you’ll need to replace it.įinally, if you just swapped out the bulbs, the problem might be that you’re using the wrong ones. When that happens, you’ll get function out of one side of the bulb, like the brake light, but not the taillight.įurthermore, many manufactures use separate bulbs for the taillights and the brake lights.
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Bad/Wrong Bulbsīrake lights typically use a dual filament bulb, and it’s possible for just one of those filaments to break. Here is a more detailed list of the most common causes when taillights do not work, but brake lights do. While these are not all of the possible causes, it’s the most common ones. A faulty control light switch could also be to blame.
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It can also be caused by a blown fuse, bad wirings, or corroded sockets or plugs. 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. Summary 6 Causes of Taillights Don’t Work But Brake Lights Do
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