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Tail Lights Only Work When Braking

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. It can also be caused by a blown fuse, bad wirings, or corroded sockets or plugs. A faulty control light switch could also be to blame.

Why do my brake lights work but my tail lights dont?

Why is that? The most common reason your brake lights are not working but tail lights do is a bad light bulb. It can also be caused by a blown fuse, bad brake light switch, or issues with the wirings. Either one light shines more than the other, or the taillights completely switch off when you press the brakes.

Do tail lights and brake lights use the same bulb?

On many vehicles, the tail lights and brake lights share the same bulb. One filament inside the bulb is for the tail light and the other filament is for the brake light. There are also some vehicles that have a separate bulb for each circuit.

Is there a fuse for tail lights?

The tail light fuse may be located in either the fuse panel in the front passenger side of your vehicle or in the main fuse box under the hood. Once you’ve opened either the panel or the main fuse box, locate the tail light fuse. If you’re unsure which one it is, use the owner’s manual for guidance.

Can a blown fuse make your tail lights not work?

A blown-out fuse could cause your tail lights not to work. The car fuse looks similar to any other fuse out there. To check this component, you need to locate the fuse box first. However, as you inspect the fuse box, switch off the car ignition.

How do you diagnose tail light problems?

Once the fuse that controls your tail lights is identified, it can be tested using a fuse tester, which will light up if the fuse is good. If it doesn’t light up, the fuse should be replaced with one of the same size and amperage. On certain fuses, you can visually see a break in the metal wire inside a bad fuse.

When should tail lights be on?

Tail lights are required to produce only red light at the rear of the vehicle and are wired such that they are lit whenever the headlights are on. This helps drivers who are traveling behind you to recognize that you’re there and how far ahead you are.

Are tail lights different from brake lights?

Tail lights are engaged when the you turn on your headlights or when your parking brake is on, whereas the brake lights will light up immediately when you apply pressure to the brakes. Your rear lights also include back up lights, which are white.

Is it illegal to drive with a brake light out?

Is it illegal to drive with a brake light out? Brake lights are vital to letting those driving behind you that you are either slowing or coming to a stop. If your brake light is out, drivers may not be able to tell and it could cause a collision. It is illegal to drive with a brake light out.

How much does it cost to fix a tail light?

A new tail light switch, accounting for labor, will cost from $70 to $100. The plastic and colored lens over on top is a bit more pricey. Depending on the make and model of your car, a replacement tail light lens will leave you lighter by between $100, and upwards of $750.

Where is the fuse for the rear tail lights?

Like all fuses, the brake light system fuse can be found in the power distribution center, which is under the dashboard or tucked away underneath the hood.

What is a tail light relay?

Tail light relays are a vital part of any car on the road. Tail light relays are linked to the headlight system of your car. Most modern cars have an automated system that turns headlights on and off in certain situations such as: Nighttime. Rainy or stormy weather.

Why do tail lights stay on?

Brake lights (or taillights) are one of the most important components of an automobile. They use a switch that turns the bulbs on the moment you press the brake pedal. Among the most common reasons your brake lights stay on are circuit errors, brake assembly problems, or a low brake fluid level.

Are tail lights brake lights?

Brake lights are lights on a tail light that alert other drivers when you are pressing the brake pedal to slow down. The tail lights are lights that illuminate when the headlights are turned on to create visibility for drivers behind you during the night or adverse weather conditions.

Why are tail lights called tail lights?

Rear position lamps (tail lamps) Conspicuity for the rear of a vehicle is provided by rear position lamps (also called tail lamps or tail lights). These are required to produce only red light and to be wired such that they are lit whenever the front position lamps are lit, including when the headlamps are on.

What are tail lights?

What is a tail light? Tail Lights are mounted to the rear of the car above the bumper. They are red in color and have accompanying white lights beside them to indicate when the vehicle is in reverse. When you’re on the road, tail lights make other car’s aware of your presence so that you can travel safely in the dark.