Rear running lights are very important to your vehicle’s safety, especially when it’s nighttime or dark outside.
If your rear running lights not working properly, then that’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a safety issue.
Whether you are an expert auto mechanic or just an explorer, these suggestions will provide you with possible causes and remedies for failed rear running lights.
Topic Summary
Causes of Rear Running Lights Not Working
Rigid problems are responsible for the back running lights failing. Some of the most common reasons are:
1. Burned-Out Bulbs
Bulbs eventually go out. If your rear running lights have old bulbs or have been wet, they will corrode and burn out faster.
2. Blown Fuse
A fuse shields electric parts in your car. If the fuse for the rear running lights blows, the power will be interrupted, and the lights will stop working.
3. Wiring Issues
Dirty or damaged wiring is one of the biggest causes of dead rear lights. Scrunched or loose wires will create a short electrical supply and shut off the lights.
4. Faulty Light Switch
Your dashboard light switch will adjust the backlights. If the switch doesn’t work, it won’t send the message to turn on the lights.
5. Corrosion in the Sockets
The moisture can rust and corrosion light sockets, preventing power to the tail lamps from reaching them and breaking them.
How To Diagnose Rear Running Light Problems?
If you are trying to find the reason for the problem, these are the steps:
Check the Bulbs
Remove the running light bulbs from the back, remove them from their sockets, and inspect them for black or cracked filaments. Burn them out and put them back in.
Inspect the Fuse Box
Look in your fuse box (often located under the dash or in the engine compartment) and look for the fuse for the rear lights.
Find the correct fuse according to the owner’s manual, and see if it has blown. Replace it if you need to.
Test the Wiring
Check for visible deterioration, like torn or broken wires, and inspect the electrical continuity with a multimeter on the wiring up to the rear lamps.
Examine the Light Switch
If everything else is normal, turn on your dashboard’s light switch. The switches wear out and fail. Call a mechanic if you think the switch is the culprit.
Look For Corrosion
Inspection of the bulb sockets. Make sure the bulbs aren’t corroded. Removing rust and discolouration, brush sockets with electrical contact cleaner, and replace bulbs if necessary.
How To Fix Rear Running Light Problems?
When you have discovered the issue, then this is what you do:
Replace Burned-Out Bulbs: Just buy the replacement bulbs for your car and plug them into the backlights.
Replace a Blown Fuse: Insert a fuse of the correct size (listed in the car’s owner’s manual) and replace the blown fuse.
Repair or Replace Damaged Wiring: If you’re handy with electricity, you can splice and insulate worn wires. Otherwise, contacting a professional can help stop issues from developing.
Replace the Faulty Switch: Replacing the defective light switch will solve the problem. It is a much more involved process, so check your car’s manual or get a professional service.
Clean Corroded Sockets: Scrub off any corrosion using a contact cleaner. Clean, then apply a drop of dielectric grease to avoid future moisture.
How To Prevent Future Rear Running Light Issues?
The rear running lights need some attention to stay in good condition:
- Inspect Bulbs And Sockets Regularly: Check rear lights and sockets for wear, corrosion, or moisture.
- Check For Water Leaks: Water leaks can corrode light sockets, so look for damaged seals and gaskets on the taillight housing.
- Avoid Overloading Circuits: If you’re putting on aftermarket lights or accessories, don’t overload the wiring that comes with your vehicle and blow fuses or destroy wiring.
Can I Fix My Rare Light Myself?
Yes, you can often replace a tail light, especially if it’s just something simple like a failed bulb.
If a tail light bulb is broken, replacement is fairly straightforward and typically needs only the occasional screwdriver.
Start by uninstalling the tail light module inside the trunk or removing the taillight cover (based on your car model).
Once you’ve found the bulb, unscrew it squishily, replace it with a new one, and re-plug everything.
You might need an extra appliance such as a fuse puller or contact cleaner if it’s not a burnt bulb but a blown fuse or cracked socket.
It’s changing a fuse using your manual in minutes, which is also quick and easy. If it’s the wiring or tail light assembly, repairs might be more advanced and professional work.
When To Seek Professional Help
While most back running light troubles are fixable with simple tools, other situations, such as serious wiring problems or switching out the light switches, might require an expert.
If your troubleshooting didn’t work or the problem is still there, get a professional mechanic to make the repair safely and correctly.
FAQs on Rear Running Lights Not Working
Why Aren’t My Rear Running Lights Working?
Burnt-out bulbs, blown fuse, bad wiring, a bad light switch, or rusty bulb sockets are typical causes. It is also possible to diagnose each of these pieces to reveal the problem.
Can I Drive If My Rear Running Lights Are Not Working?
Yes, you can. But this isn’t needed because rear running lights ensure other motorists will see your car at night or during the dark. Without them, driving could be dangerous and get you a ticket.
How Do I Check If the Fuse for the Rear Running Lights is Blown?
Locate the fuse box (usually under the dashboard or in the engine compartment), locate the appropriate fuse in the manual and visually inspect it. If it blows, swap it out for another of the same amp.
What Tools Do I Need To Fix My Rear Running Lights?
Simple instruments include new bulbs, a fuse, a multimeter (for continuity checking), a screwdriver, and a contact cleaner for dirty sockets.
Conclusion
You need rear running lights to drive safely so that other motorists can see your car while driving in the dark. If they don’t work, the tips above can help you diagnose and fix the problem.
As they are maintained at regular intervals, such as bulbs, sockets, and fuses, they will also avoid future malfunctions. Use this guide to learn how to keep your backlights running as safely as possible.