Tail light help.
Hi, my tail lights are currently not working and I need to work in a few hours. So I wanna put my tail lights on a toggle switch so I can drive to work. So I'm trying to find a little help to make this as smooth and quick as possible. If anybody has tried this or have any helpful info, I would appreciate it. This is just a temporary fix till I can get it fixed propy.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,313
Likes: 341
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
When you say your tail lights don't work, which functions do you mean... running lights, brake lights, turn signals, backup lights? All of the above?
Assuming you mean the running lights that go on with the headlights, have you checked the the TAIL LPS fuse (#5 - 20 amp)? That would be the simplest explanation for the lights failing all at once... normally bulbs would burn out individually. Never rely on visually inspecting fuses - they can be blown but still look fine, especially in a 20+ year old car. Always test with a multi-meter or fuse tester, or simply replace with a known good fuse.
Frankly, cutting into your wiring to add a switch before even checking the basics is one of the weirdest repair ideas I've ever heard... and I've been doing automotive electrical for over 50 years.
Assuming you mean the running lights that go on with the headlights, have you checked the the TAIL LPS fuse (#5 - 20 amp)? That would be the simplest explanation for the lights failing all at once... normally bulbs would burn out individually. Never rely on visually inspecting fuses - they can be blown but still look fine, especially in a 20+ year old car. Always test with a multi-meter or fuse tester, or simply replace with a known good fuse.
Frankly, cutting into your wiring to add a switch before even checking the basics is one of the weirdest repair ideas I've ever heard... and I've been doing automotive electrical for over 50 years.





