10 Reasons Why Your Tail Lights Arent Working But Your Brake Lights Are Working

 

WHY WOULD TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORK BUT BRAKE LIGHTS DO?

Tail lights and brake lights are two essential safety features in a vehicle that help alert other drivers on the road of your vehicle's movements. If your tail lights aren't working but your brake lights do, it can be an alarming problem. Here are 10 reasons why your tail lights may not be working while your brake lights are:

1. Blown Fuse - A fuse is a small electrical component designed to protect a circuit from damage due to an electrical overload. When an overload occurs, the fuse breaks the circuit, preventing any further electrical flow.

In the case of your car's tail lights not working, it's possible that the fuse responsible for powering the tail lights has blown. To check if this is the case, you'll need to consult your car's manual to locate the fuse box, which is typically located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Once you find the fuse box, you'll need to locate the fuse for the tail lights. The manual should have a diagram or chart that shows the location of the fuse and its amperage rating.

Once you locate the fuse, inspect it to see if the wire inside is intact or if it's broken. If the wire is broken, the fuse has blown and will need to be replaced with a new fuse of the same amperage rating. It's important to replace the blown fuse with the correct amperage rating, as using a fuse with a higher rating can cause electrical damage or even a fire.

If the fuse is not blown, then the problem may lie elsewhere, such as a burned-out bulb, loose wiring, or a faulty switch.

2. Burned Out Bulbs - Your car's tail lights consist of a series of light bulbs that illuminate the rear of your vehicle. If one or both of these bulbs have burned out, your tail lights will not work properly.

To check if a bulb is burned out, you'll need to remove the light assembly cover that houses the tail light bulbs. The location of the cover and the method of removal can vary depending on your car's make and model, so consult your car's manual for specific instructions. Once you have removed the cover, inspect the bulb to see if the filament inside has broken. If the filament is broken or looks blackened, the bulb has burned out and needs to be replaced.

To replace the bulb, you'll need to remove it from the socket and replace it with a new one of the same type and wattage rating. Be sure to use gloves or a clean cloth when handling the bulb to prevent oils from your skin from causing the bulb to fail prematurely. Once the new bulb is in place, reattach the light assembly cover and test the lights to ensure they are working properly.

It's a good idea to replace both tail light bulbs at the same time, as they tend to burn out at around the same rate. This will prevent you from having to replace a burned-out bulb again in the near future.

3. Faulty Switch - In a car, the switch that controls the tail lights is usually located on the steering column or dashboard. It's responsible for turning the tail lights on and off when you activate the headlight switch or turn signal lever.

If the switch is faulty or worn out, it may not be able to activate the tail lights when you turn on the headlights or signal for a turn. This can cause the tail lights to not work even if the brake lights are functioning normally.

To diagnose a faulty tail light switch, you can check the switch itself for any signs of damage or wear. If the switch appears to be in good condition, you may need to test the electrical connections leading to and from the switch using a multimeter or other diagnostic tool.

If the switch is indeed faulty, it will need to be replaced with a new one. This typically involves removing the old switch from its mounting point and installing the new switch in its place. It's important to ensure that the new switch is properly wired and connected to the car's electrical system to avoid any further issues.

4. Loose or corroded wiring:The wiring that connects the tail lights to the car's electrical system is prone to loosening or corroding over time. This can cause the tail lights to not work even if the brake lights are functioning normally.

To check for loose or corroded wiring, you'll need to inspect the wiring connections behind the tail lights. This may require removing the light assembly cover and/or accessing the wiring from inside the trunk. Once you have access to the wiring, visually inspect the connections for any signs of looseness, corrosion, or damage.

If you find loose connections, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to gently tighten them. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the connection. If you find corroded connections, use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean them.

In some cases, the wiring itself may be damaged or frayed. If this is the case, you'll need to repair or replace the wiring as necessary. This may require splicing in a new section of wiring or replacing the entire wiring harness.

It's important to ensure that all wiring connections are secure and clean to avoid any electrical issues in the future.

5. Corroded Wires - Corroded wires in a car's electrical system can cause a variety of problems, including a break in the electrical connection that prevents the tail lights from working. Over time, moisture and other contaminants can cause corrosion on the wires, which can weaken or break the wire and cause an interruption in the electrical current.

To check for corroded wires, you will need to inspect the wiring behind the tail lights, which may require removing the light assembly cover and/or accessing the wiring from inside the trunk. Once you have access to the wiring, visually inspect the wires for any signs of corrosion or damage, such as frayed or cracked insulation.

If you find corroded wires, you can try cleaning them with a wire brush or sandpaper. Be sure to disconnect the battery before cleaning the wires to avoid any electrical shock. If the wires are severely corroded or damaged, they may need to be replaced. This may require splicing in a new section of wiring or replacing the entire wiring harness.

It's important to regularly inspect the wiring in your car's electrical system to ensure that it's in good condition. Corroded or damaged wires can cause a variety of problems, including a loss of power to critical components like the tail lights, and can be a safety hazard. If you're not comfortable working with the electrical system in your car, it's best to take it to a professional mechanic for inspection and repair.

6. Bad Relay - A bad relay is another possible reason why the tail lights may not be working. The relay is responsible for sending the electrical signal to the tail lights when you activate the headlight switch or turn signal lever. If the relay is faulty or damaged, it may not be able to send the signal to the tail lights, preventing them from turning on.

To check for a bad relay, you will need to locate the relay box in your car. This is usually located under the hood or inside the passenger compartment, and the location can vary depending on the make and model of your car. Once you have located the relay box, look for the relay that controls the tail lights. This is typically labeled in the owner's manual or on the relay box cover.

Once you have located the relay, you can test it using a multimeter or other diagnostic tool. If the relay is faulty, it will need to be replaced with a new one. This involves removing the old relay from its mounting point and installing the new relay in its place. Make sure the new relay is properly wired and connected to the car's electrical system.

It's worth noting that a bad relay is relatively rare compared to other causes of tail light problems. However, if you have ruled out other possible causes and suspect that the relay may be the culprit, it's best to take your car to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair. They can use specialized diagnostic equipment to identify and repair the problem.

7. Bad Ground - A bad ground is another possible reason why the tail lights may not be working. The ground wire is responsible for completing the electrical circuit between the tail lights and the car's electrical system, and if it's not working properly, the lights won't turn on.

To check for a bad ground, you will need to locate the ground wire that connects the tail lights to the car's electrical system. This wire is typically black or brown in color and can be found near the tail light assembly. Once you have located the ground wire, visually inspect it for any signs of damage or corrosion.

If the ground wire is damaged or corroded, you will need to replace it. This may require splicing in a new section of wire or replacing the entire wiring harness. It's also important to ensure that the ground wire is properly connected to both the tail light assembly and the car's electrical system.

In some cases, a bad ground can be caused by a loose or corroded ground connection. To fix this, you can try cleaning the connection with a wire brush or sandpaper and then tightening the connection. Be sure to disconnect the battery before working on any electrical connections to avoid any electrical shock.

It's important to regularly inspect the ground wire in your car's electrical system to ensure that it's in good condition. A bad ground can cause a variety of problems, including a loss of power to critical components like the tail lights, and can be a safety hazard. If you're not comfortable working with the electrical system in your car, it's best to take it to a professional mechanic for inspection and repair.

8. Broken Tail Light Assembly - If the tail light assembly is cracked or broken, it can also prevent the bulbs from functioning correctly, which can cause the tail lights to not work. The tail light assembly is the housing that holds the tail light bulbs in place, and it protects them from damage and the elements. If the assembly is damaged or broken, it can allow moisture, dirt, or debris to enter, which can damage the bulbs or cause them to malfunction.

To check for a broken tail light assembly, visually inspect the assembly for cracks, chips, or other damage. If you notice any damage, you will need to replace the assembly with a new one. This involves removing the old assembly and installing the new one in its place. Make sure the new assembly is properly secured and sealed to prevent moisture or debris from entering.

It's important to replace a broken tail light assembly as soon as possible, as it can be a safety hazard. If the tail lights are not working correctly, other drivers may not be able to see you, especially at night or in inclement weather conditions. If you're not comfortable replacing the tail light assembly yourself, it's best to take your car to a professional mechanic for repair.

9. Faulty Light Switch - A faulty or worn-out light switch is another potential reason why the tail lights may not turn on. The light switch is responsible for controlling the flow of electricity to the tail lights, and if it's not functioning properly, the lights won't turn on.

To check for a faulty light switch, you will need to inspect the switch itself for any visible damage or wear. You can also test the switch using a multimeter or a continuity tester to check for continuity. If the switch is not functioning properly, it will need to be replaced.

Replacing a faulty light switch typically involves removing the old switch and installing a new one. However, the exact procedure will vary depending on the make and model of your car, so it's important to consult your car's manual or a repair guide for specific instructions.

If you're not comfortable working on your car's electrical system or replacing the light switch yourself, it's best to take your car to a professional mechanic for repair. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose and repair the issue.

10. Faulty Body Control Module - Yes, a faulty body control module (BCM) can also be the reason why the tail lights are not working. The BCM is an electronic control unit that is responsible for managing various electrical functions in a vehicle, including the tail lights. If it's malfunctioning, it can prevent the tail lights from turning on or cause them to behave erratically.

To check for a faulty BCM, you will need to use a diagnostic scanner to read any error codes that may be stored in the module. If there are error codes related to the tail lights or the BCM itself, it may indicate that the BCM is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Replacing a faulty BCM typically involves removing the old module and installing a new one. However, this is a complex and specialized procedure that requires specific knowledge and tools. It's best to take your car to a professional mechanic or dealership for diagnosis and repair if you suspect that the BCM is the issue.

In some cases, reprogramming or resetting the BCM may resolve the issue. Again, this is a specialized procedure that requires the appropriate tools and expertise, so it's best to leave it to a professional.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why your tail lights may not be working while your brake lights are. These reasons range from simple issues like a blown fuse or burned out bulbs to more complex problems like a faulty body control module. If you're experiencing this issue, it's important to diagnose the problem and fix it as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.