For some reason one out of the 4 brake lights isn't nearly as bright as the other 3. I tried replacing the bulb, but still no good. It lights up, but not enough to shine through the plastic. Seems like that one bulb isn't getting enough juice.

Any ideas?

 

the ground for that light or the socket is bad

 

try cleaning the contacts in the socket

 

Do you know where that is? I have a problem with my taillight fuse popping every 10 seconds...so I can't drive at night. I can't figure out the problem. Would the bad ground cause the fuse to keep popping?

 

The wire for that particular light is shorted somewhere? Grab a multimeter and have at it.

 

No. A bad ground won't cause fuses to blow. A bad ground is additional resistance in the circuit which would cause a dim light and less current flow. However, a short will, obviously, cause excessive current, and cause fuses to pop.

 

I cleaned the contacts but still the problem. I think Dave is right and I should check the ground. Does anyone know where the ground is? I tried following the wires but they go deep into the body.

 

Saner if you end up needing a new tail light harness I have one from the drivers side I believe

 

So how do you find a short? I suck at electronics.

 

1) Get a circuit diagram so you can see all the circuits coming from the fuse in question.
2) Remove the subject fuse
3) Verify that the downstream (non-powered) side of the failing fuse does, indeed, have low resistance to ground with whatever blows the fuse turned on.
4) Turn off or disconnect (various connectors, etc.) one thing at a time from the downstream side until you find the one circuit that when turned off or disconnected brings the resistance reading back up to near infinite, or at least causes a large increase in resistance.
5) Trace and examine the wiring in this circuit to find the problem - bare wires, etc.

BTW - I hate wiring problems - can't see those dagone electrons moving...

Good luck.

 

Thanks, Yanni. I'll definitely keep that in mind.

 

So in other words...take it to an auto electrician. Gotcha

 

 

or just buy a new car with a warranty....just fooling around

Saner it's free just pay shipping. I think the harness may be the same for both sides and I'll be up at school soon to get it.

 

Thanks Yanni! I really appreciate that. This weekend I'm going to check my ground and a few other things. If all else fails, I'll definitely take you up on that offer.
Thanks, dude!

 

Fixed the problem. As Dave suspected it was a bad ground. My lights finally work again! Thanks, everyone.