What Causes Tail Lights Not to Work?
4 Answers
In most cases, when car tail lights do not work, it is due to a burnt-out bulb inside the tail light. If upon inspection the bulb appears to be intact, the issue may be a blown fuse in the car. Below are specific details about car tail lights: 1. Types: Car tail lights include turn signals, brake lights, position lights, rear fog lights, reverse lights, and parking lights. Some car models on the market also combine brake lights and position lights into one unit. 2. Bulb Types: There are primarily three types of bulbs: halogen car bulbs, HID car bulbs, and the newer LED car bulbs. When these lights are in operation, their power consumption is typically around 21W, while in position light mode, the power consumption is usually around 5W.
My friend pointed out that my taillight wasn’t working the other day, which really startled me. The most common issue is a burnt-out bulb, especially with halogen bulbs that have a shorter lifespan—frequent night drivers like me are more prone to this. Another possibility is a blown fuse; most cars have a fuse box on the side of the trunk, where you can check the corresponding 10A or 15A fuse. Loose connectors are often overlooked—after a car wash last time, my light had poor contact, but a quick unplug and replug fixed it. Wiring problems are trickier, like frayed wires near the trunk hinge, which require a professional inspection. Nowadays, when buying a car, I always ask the dealer to throw in a spare bulb set—changing it myself takes just five minutes.
I've seen too many cases of taillight malfunctions during car repairs. Apart from bulb issues, checking for blown fuses should be a priority. Some wiring harnesses in the rear panel become deformed after a rear-end collision without visible surface damage - only a multimeter test reveals the open circuit. Control module failures are becoming increasingly common in smart vehicle models. A friend's Tesla developed lighting system bugs after an OTA update. Remember to check if license plate lights are damaged simultaneously as they usually share circuits. For DIY repairs, prepare a test pen and spare fuses. First test the bulb socket voltage to confirm power supply before removing the lens. After repair, have someone help verify if hazard lights and brake lights function properly during reversing.
New car owners encountering taillight issues don't panic, basic three steps can make a preliminary judgment. First check if both left and right lights are out simultaneously - if so, it's likely a fuse problem. Single-side failure usually indicates bulb or wiring harness issues. Pressing the trunk liner reveals the wiring harness connector - I've experienced short circuits from rainwater ingress which resolved after blow-drying. In winter, low temperatures make plastic brittle, causing poor contact at switch points. Many Japanese cars use dual-filament structures for brake/tail lights - when one fails the other may still work. Develop the habit of cleaning taillight ventilation holes during maintenance - dust accumulation reduces heat dissipation and shortens lifespan.
