Tail lights Replaced and…

[mcfly0913]

I’ve been on here for days trying to find a solution to my problem and have tried every solution it seems. Both of my tail lights were cracked or shattered so I just replaced them with a standard replacement I found on eBay. The brake lights work but my turn signal and reverse lights don’t work. I’ve also discovered that my rear wiper no longer works but my rear window rolls down and up just fine. I’ve gone through all of my fuses and have used a voltage tester that shows no power to only the turn signal and reverse lights on side. I put my old tail lights back in thinking I got a bad set and the same problem occurs. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[RTRSPRFTR]

make sure to twist the socket in place otherwise no turn signal or reverse light even though the brake light works. twisting the socket grounds the other 2 bulb connections.

also rear wiper will only work if rear window is completely rolled up.

 

[mcfly0913]

I appreciate the response. I have twisted the sockets so that the arrow lines up with the metal and when that didn’t work I tried twisting them until I got a response and still nothing.

Also tried the window deal. Is it possible I threw a relay?

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Check the wires into the harness/ tail light for any damage (they run through the access panel for the spare tire jack/ tools

Near the steering wheel on the interior fuse box is a "turn signal fuse" - check this or try replacing

in the engine bay fuse box check the Trn/hzd (turn / hazard fuse) or try replacing

 

[aemravan]

when you say turn signal don't work, is this true just for the rear, hence you get a rapid flash on the front turn signals, or you don't have any turn signal indication front and rear?

Since your wipe is on the same stock as the turn signal it sounds very suspect of a blown fuse somewhere along the line.. Which fuses have you checked?

 

[mcfly0913]

It’s just the rear signals that don’t work and no reverse lights. The fronts blink rapidly. I will go through my fuses again tomorrow just to make sure I replaced the correct ones. Otherwise I might have to go to the dealer which I’m trying to avoid.

 

[mcfly0913]

Check the wires into the harness/ tail light for any damage (they run through the access panel for the spare tire jack/ tools

Near the steering wheel on the interior fuse box is a "turn signal fuse" - check this or try replacing

in the engine bay fuse box check the Trn/hzd (turn / hazard fuse) or try replacing

I replaced the fuses in that area and still nothing. The wiring looks good but it’s weird how a voltage tester shows no power in the tail lights other than the brake lights.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

I replaced the fuses in that area and still nothing. The wiring looks good but it’s weird how a voltage tester shows no power in the tail lights other than the brake lights.

Where are you testing the voltages? at the harness where the bulbs connect? The harness into the assembly?

 

[mcfly0913]

Both. I think I’ve figured out the issue with the old tail lights. There should be 4 metal tabs on each tail light male connector and both are missing one. I’m guessing during removal they broke off? But it still doesn’t explain why the new ones aren’t working. I plan on taking it to a mechanic on Monday because the rear defrost still isn’t working even after going through the fuses again.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Yea the symptoms don’t seem to make a lot of sense with replacing the taillights but then having issues in the tailgate itself. As a last ditch effort trying a hard reset with unplugging the battery for 30 min

 

[RTRSPRFTR]

make sure to twist the socket in place otherwise no turn signal or reverse light even though the brake light works. twisting the socket grounds the other 2 bulb connections.

also rear wiper will only work if rear window is completely rolled up.

wanted to clarify that its the main socket (middle) / plug that needs to be properly seated, twisted and contacts properly lined up. this exact problem pops up at least once a month here.

you can see below how the other 2 bulb connections are powered via the main socket. so neither turn signal nor reverse light works if full contact isn't made by twisting socket properly. its harder twist than many realize.

have also seen bad wires and terminals in replacement lights. fix is to swap over the wires and terminals from the original.

 

[mcfly0913]

I’m an idiot. That’s exactly what it was. I didn’t twist the middle bulbs back into the socket, the final step. To think of all the time I wasted (but the Bud Light made it worth it) when it was staring right at me the whole time.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

I’m an idiot. That’s exactly what it was. I didn’t twist the middle bulbs back into the socket, the final step. To think of all the time I wasted (but the Bud Light made it worth it) when it was staring right at me the whole time.

It happens. The circuits are very temperamental and have to be just so