No one likes your taillights to fail when you have brake lights working but not your car’s. The problem occurs for car owners, too. ‘It can be anything.
In this article, let’s discover why your tail lights not working but brake lights are, and learn step-by-step solutions to fix this common automotive issue.
Key Takeaways
- Know what the tail and brake lights are and which parts they are.
- See the common issues when the tail lights are not working but the brake lights are working.
- Identify the problem and then learn how to solve it by visual checking, testing, and replacing damaged components.
- Find out when professional help is warranted and how much it will cost.
- Keep your vehicle’s lighting system running to stay safe and abide by traffic laws.
Topic Summary
- Understanding Tail Light and Brake Light Systems
- Common Causes When Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are
- How To Diagnose Tail Light Malfunction?
- Checking And Replacing Faulty Fuses
- Inspecting Wiring And Electrical Connections
- Tail Light Bulb Replacement Guide
- When To Seek Professional Help?
- FAQs on Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are
- Why Are My Tail Lights Not Working, But My Brake Lights Are?
- What Are the Common Components of Automotive Lighting Systems?
- What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Tail Light Failure While Brake Lights Work?
- How Can I Diagnose a Tail Light Malfunction?
- How Do I Check And Replace Faulty Fuses in My Vehicle’s Lighting System?
- What Steps Can I Take To Inspect the Wiring And Electrical Connections in My Vehicle’s Lighting System?
- How Do I Replace a Tail Light Bulb?
- When Should I Seek Professional Help For My Tail Light Issues?
- Conclusion
Understanding Tail Light and Brake Light Systems
Car light working is the solution to brake light trouble. Tail lights and brake lights function differently, and they’re wired differently. With this knowledge, electrical malfunctions can be identified and resolved.
Basic Components of Automotive Lighting
Bulbs, sockets, and cables power auto lights. Tail lights have smaller bulbs, and brake lights have bigger ones. This is because brake lights need to be easily seen as you brake.
How Tail Lights Are Different From Brake Lights?
Beam tail lights let others see your car when they’re coming behind. The brake lights are on when you press the brake pedal. This is so that brake light troubles aren’t necessarily tail light problems and vice versa.
Common Circuit Configurations
We can make car lights very different. Some even have tail- and brake-light separate circuits, while others do both on one circuit. Identifying your car wiring pinpoints the problem with brake lights.
Common Causes When Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are
If your tail lights are not flashing but your brake lights are, there are a couple of reasons. One culprit is a dead bulb.
Lamp bulbs become old and should be replaced. Make sure you replace your tail light bulbs regularly and replace any bulb that is out.
The fuse may also blow. Maybe the tail light circuit is on a different fuse than the brake lights. A blown fuse disables the tail light but not the brake light. Checking for fuses and replacing bad ones can repair this problem.
Tail Light problems can also arise from a light switch or wiring problem. A bad light switch or rusty wire will prevent power from reaching the bulbs. Always check the wiring and bulb components to eliminate electrical issues.
These are the most common causes, so you can diagnose and fix the issue if you have bad tail lights but good brake lights.
With a little troubleshooting, you can generally repair the problem so that the lights in your car come back on.
How To Diagnose Tail Light Malfunction?
How you’ll know your tail lights aren’t working is fairly straightforward once you know what to do. You must know what to do if your brake lights are off, tail lights aren’t on, or both are out. Only a skilled repairer will know the right procedure.
Visual Inspection Steps
The first thing you should do is look closely at the tail light kit. Examine for broken lenses, loose fittings, or rusty wires. This simple check will usually tell you what is wrong and what to do.
Testing Equipment Needed
Identifying the issue isn’t exactly easy without tools. A multimeter for balancing the circuits, a test light for checking the power, and a fresh bulb are must-haves. Using these devices will tell you if it’s a blown fuse, a wiring issue, or a burned-out bulb.
Safety Precautions During Diagnosis
Safety is key when you’re fixing your car’s electrical system. Do not remove the battery, work in a bright place, and do not touch live wires. These little fixes keep you away and prevent further damage during the repair.
In these steps, you will quickly solve the tail light malfunction. Whether it’s a fuse, wire, or bulb problem, properly diagnosing it is time and money-saving. Invest some time and do it right.
Checking And Replacing Faulty Fuses
If your car’s tail lights aren’t on but your brake lights are, your fuse is blown. Fuses guard your electrical system against errors and breakdowns. To fix this, check for and perhaps repair faulty fuses.
Identify the fuse box first (it is sometimes located in the engine compartment or under the dashboard). Find the fuse for the tail lights in your owner’s manual.
Check the fuse with a multimeter. Blow it and replace it with one equivalent to the amperage rating. Don’t use the wrong size and amp for your car. The wrong fuse can cause more trouble or fire.
If the new fuse pops in the first go, there could be a more serious issue, such as a short or wires. And you’ll have to do more to uncover and eradicate the issue.
Fixing broken fuses and replacing them usually fixes tail lights for you. That prevents bigger electrical problems later on. Never mess with the wiring of your car.
Inspecting Wiring And Electrical Connections
If your tail lights don’t work but your brake lights do, maybe the wiring is broken. Notice your car’s wiring and electrical wires carefully. You can do this to identify and repair any wiring or brake light circuit issues.
Finding Loose Connections
First, check the wiring harness and connections near the tail lights. Check for loose, smashed, or corrosion connections. These might cut the electrical signal. Secure connections and not loosely.
Identifying Corroded Wires
Check for corrosion on the wires, as they may impede the flow of electricity. Consider discoloration or a flaky film. If they are corroded, clean or swap the wires.
Testing Circuit Continuity
Check wiring continuity with a multimeter. This test ensures that the circuit is working. Check for any connection issues and correct them.
Check wiring and connections. Often, the problem can be fixed by looking over them. This can get your tail lights working again without huge repairs. If diagnosed and treated, you can keep your car safe and sound.
Tail Light Bulb Replacement Guide
If your tail light is not working and your brake light is working, it could be a bad tail light bulb. It’s quite simple to replace, and it is accessible in your own home.
Let’s show you how to safely access, remove, and replace new bulbs. This will repair your car lights.
First, find the tail light kit. It’s in the trunk or back of the car. Remove the lens cover and check for the bulb when you find it. Avoid touching the new bulb with your hands because your skin oils can damage it.
Then, remove the old bulb by turning it counterclockwise and squeezing out the open side. Aim to replace the bulb with the same kind and wattage as the previous one. Insert the new bulb, set the tabs, and wiggle it counterclockwise.
Once that’s done, remove the lens cover and see if the new bulb turns on. If the tail light does not come on, it could be caused by a wiring or fuse issue. Remember to be extra cautious with electric elements.
With some tools and patience, you can fix a defective tail light bulb. This will also get your car lights working again. Fixing this basic issue will make your car safer and look better.
When To Seek Professional Help?
Simple car light problems at home are simple to fix. But once in a while, you have to bring in the professionals. If the brake light but not the taillight are not working, you need a car lighting repair specialist.
Cost Estimates For Professional Repairs
The cost of professional car lighting repairs varies. A simple bulb can be replaced for around $20 to $50.
But if it’s a wiring or component issue, it will cost $100 to $300 or so. Request estimates from mechanics to get the best price.
Finding a Qualified Mechanic
This is when you should take your car to a mechanic with lighting problems. Look for electrical repair shops.
See if they have reviews online about whether or not they are skilled in fixing problems like yours. Be sure to ask what they have gone through before making an appointment.
It’s also a matter of when to call the pros and go with a good mechanic. This makes your car’s lights work properly, whether it’s a minor repair or an electrical issue.
FAQs on Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are
Why Are My Tail Lights Not Working, But My Brake Lights Are?
Your tail lights might not function for some reason, but your brake lights do. It might be burnt-out bulbs, a wiring issue, a bad light switch, or an electrical fault. The solution is the root cause if you need your car lights back to work.
What Are the Common Components of Automotive Lighting Systems?
A car’s light system consists of bulbs, sockets, wires, fuses, relays, and switches. Tail and brake lights are part of the system but have their own circuits and functions.
What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Tail Light Failure While Brake Lights Work?
Burnt-out bulbs, blown fuses, and worn/corroded wiring are common causes of tail lights that won’t light up. Other problems include light switch or wiring problems. Replacing these is important to get your car lights working.
How Can I Diagnose a Tail Light Malfunction?
Start by looking closely for scuffs or wear. Test the circuit for continuity, voltage, and resistance with a multimeter. Don’t Diagnose without safety precautions.
How Do I Check And Replace Faulty Fuses in My Vehicle’s Lighting System?
Locate and check fuses on the tail light system. Check them with a multimeter and replace the blown ones. Be sure to use the right amp fuse to prevent more electrical problems.
What Steps Can I Take To Inspect the Wiring And Electrical Connections in My Vehicle’s Lighting System?
First, check by eye for loose, rusted, or damaged wires. Then, with a multimeter, check circuit continuity and discover wiring problems. Removing or replacing bad wiring is a must for tail light repair.
How Do I Replace a Tail Light Bulb?
Replace the tail light bulb for good. Locate the tail light kit and reach for the bulb socket. Remove the old bulb and replace it with a new one of the right type and wattage. Verify that the new bulb is seated properly and all connections are tight, and test.
When Should I Seek Professional Help For My Tail Light Issues?
If you have tried everything and it still doesn’t work, it’s time to consult an expert. You don’t want to tinker with electrical problems or install heavy wiring that you are not a certified mechanic for. They can do the right repair and provide a cost estimate.
Conclusion
Tail lights save your car and pedestrians’ lives. If your tail lights don’t work, but your brake lights do, have them working! If you know the lights on your car, identify problems, and check them regularly, then you can get them fixed yourself.
Tail light maintenance is more than the law. It’s about safe driving, too. Make sure to keep an eye on your lights and that they’re operating properly. This can prevent collisions and keep everyone safe.
Bad tail lights mean you’re a safer car and show you’re interested in driving right. Don’t fall asleep, read this tutorial. And you’ll know that your car lights are on the right side.