Question about Tail Light issues.
11-25-11, 01:42 AM
#1
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Question about Tail Light issues.
I read the FAQ, and this:
My tail lights don't work, but my head lights do
The light switch connections may have burnt out. Check the back of the light switch. If they are burnt, you will need to replace the light switch and light switch harness.
Seems to answer my question, but before I run out and buy a replacement switch.. if I can find one.. I was wondering if someone could answer a few simple questions.
1.) My tail lights are literally the only lights that don't work, brake lights, hazards, everything fine, does this still mesh with the theory of the switch being shot?
2.) is there a way to "bypass" or at least test if it's the switch before I buy one? I'm a computer tech not a car tech, but usually when I need to test a switch or led I cut the switch off and brush some wires together as a tester, can I do something like this to make sure it's not some bs grounding issue in my harness first?
3.) I should also mention my car does have some weird electrical "quirks" but nothing with my exterior lighting of actually functionality of the car has been affected. It's always been little things like seat belt light comes on randomly, clock resets, ect ect.
Thanks for any help you can give!
1988 RX-7 GXL btw
My tail lights don't work, but my head lights do
The light switch connections may have burnt out. Check the back of the light switch. If they are burnt, you will need to replace the light switch and light switch harness.
Seems to answer my question, but before I run out and buy a replacement switch.. if I can find one.. I was wondering if someone could answer a few simple questions.
1.) My tail lights are literally the only lights that don't work, brake lights, hazards, everything fine, does this still mesh with the theory of the switch being shot?
2.) is there a way to "bypass" or at least test if it's the switch before I buy one? I'm a computer tech not a car tech, but usually when I need to test a switch or led I cut the switch off and brush some wires together as a tester, can I do something like this to make sure it's not some bs grounding issue in my harness first?
3.) I should also mention my car does have some weird electrical "quirks" but nothing with my exterior lighting of actually functionality of the car has been affected. It's always been little things like seat belt light comes on randomly, clock resets, ect ect.
Thanks for any help you can give!
1988 RX-7 GXL btw
12-12-11, 08:46 AM
#3
The Red/Black wire needs to have voltage when you turn the headlight switch to turn on the tail lights. The Illumination fuse powers both the tail lights and the dash lights. If the dash lights work then that proves the fuse is good. When the headlight switch is turned to the first setting power is placed on the Red/Green wire that powers the dash lights and power is also placed on the Red/Black wire that powers the tail lights. Disconnect one of the tail light plugs and check for voltage on this R/B wire when it is supposed to have power. If it does not then the wire at the headlight harness might be damaged or you have a poor connection at that harness or further down the line or the bulbs are bad. These bulbs I believe have two filaments as well.
12-13-11, 04:40 PM
#4
This is a very common problem, I've had to deal with it myself on two different FCs.
The connector on the harness side and the prongs on the switch side tend to burn out eventually and stop making contact.... you can either replace the pig tail on the harness side and get a new switch.. OR, clean up the contacts a bunch, re-seat the prongs with a flat head or some tweezers , and just make sure they are making contact (this is what I have done) and everything should work fine.
It is rather simple to take the switch out and check to see if you need a new one. You just need a stubby Phillips head screw driver and a little bit of creativity if you don't have an adjustable steering wheel. Probably take you 15 minutes.
The connector on the harness side and the prongs on the switch side tend to burn out eventually and stop making contact.... you can either replace the pig tail on the harness side and get a new switch.. OR, clean up the contacts a bunch, re-seat the prongs with a flat head or some tweezers , and just make sure they are making contact (this is what I have done) and everything should work fine.
It is rather simple to take the switch out and check to see if you need a new one. You just need a stubby Phillips head screw driver and a little bit of creativity if you don't have an adjustable steering wheel. Probably take you 15 minutes.