If your vehicle's rear lights are broken or won't come on, you don't have to go to the electrician! You can do a simple bulb or fuse replacement yourself and save a lot of money. Remember that malfunctioning or broken headlights can result in a hefty fine and administrative shutdown of the vehicle, so don't waste any more time. Read on to learn how to repair your car's rear lights.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Assess the Problem
Step 1. Check the fuse
When this element burns out, both of my headlights go out. On modern cars, the two taillights are served by two separate fuses and each bulb or shared circuit can be equipped with its own fuse. This piece typically burns out due to other electrical problems, so you'll need to investigate further; however, the fuse box is always a good place to start. Consult your machine's user manual to find out where the fuse box is located. Typically in older models it is under the dashboard, while on most modern cars it is mounted under the hood or in the dashboard. The manual should also have a diagram of the box, so you can identify the various fuses and their function. Make sure the car is off, remove the cover from the box and locate the rear light fuse. Use a flashlight to inspect it and see if it's burned. For almost all new cars, you will have to pull out the fuse to examine it due to its arrangement.
-
If the piece of metal that is inside the fuse is intact, it means this is fully functional.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 1Bullet1 -
If the metal is broken or cracked, then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced. Pull it out with your fingers or a pair of tweezers from its housing. Many modern cars have a specific extractor that can be found inside the box or in the supplied tool kit. It is a small white plastic tool that looks like a pair of pliers. Take the fuse to the auto parts store to purchase a new, identical one. At this point you just have to insert it into its housing.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 1Bullet2
Step 2. Inspect the rear light assembly wiring
This consists of the cables that are connected to the lights and which are located inside the trunk lid. Open the latter and look for the electrical wires to make sure they are well connected and that they allow the system to work. If you find a loose cable, snap it back into place.
On new cars the harness is located behind the trunk panel and is not accessible without first removing the panel
Step 3. Look at the bulbs
If the wires and fuses are OK, then the problem could be with the bulbs. To check their condition, unscrew the light lens from the outside using a screwdriver. If your model does not have screws, open the trunk to access the light assembly from the inside. Unscrew the bulbs in question and check them as you would with normal ones at home. Look at the metal filament to see if it is still intact. You can tap the glass to determine if the filament vibrates or moves.
- Most taillights have one bulb for the turn signal and brake light, one for the reverse light, one as a position light and finally a side light. On some models the turn signal and brake light are managed by two separate bulbs. On cars where a single bulb operates both the stop and direction lights, the flashing is faster than normal. This also applies to cars with a blown bulb in the amber rear turn signal.
-
If the bulb is broken, you need to replace it. Take it to the auto parts shop and buy the right part for your car model (also check the year of manufacture).
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 3Bullet1 -
If the bulb is in perfect condition, then the problem could be with the electrical system. If the fuse, wiring and light bulb show no signs of malfunction, take the car to the electrician.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 3Bullet2 - When you remove the bulb for replacement, you should also check its housing and headlight assembly to make sure there are no burnt contacts or melted plates.
Step 4. Inspect the lenses
Regardless of whether or not you were able to fix the problem by checking the fuse, bulb or wires, you should also check the lenses, to make sure they aren't broken or cracked. If water gets into the light unit, it could cause the bulb to burn out. Read the next section to learn how to fix broken and cracked headlight lenses.
Part 2 of 2: Using a Repair Kit
Step 1. Remove the rear lenses
Step 2. Repair the cracks with specific adhesive tape
This solution is only temporary. You have to buy tape or a repair kit with a resin to apply to the crack to make the lens waterproof again.
-
Clean and dry the area you will be applying the duct tape. Just before proceeding, wipe the lens of the light with a microfiber cloth moistened with denatured alcohol. Wait for the surface to dry and then stick the adhesive. Do not use a window cleaner, as its ammonia content prevents the tape from adhering as it should. The last pass of alcohol eliminates any impurities and leaves a clean surface.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 6Bullet1 -
Measure the dimensions of the slot and cut the tape accordingly, so that it is slightly larger than the damage.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 6Bullet2 -
Remove the film that protects the adhesive part.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 6Bullet3 -
As you attach the tape, smooth it out slowly to expel air bubbles; by doing so you avoid that the light is distorted.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 6Bullet4
Step 3. Repair holes and broken areas with a specific resin
If there is a hole or a lens fragment is missing, then you can use a plastic resin as a filler. Buy a specific kit for this purpose that comes with all the necessary materials.
-
Cover the outside of the light with the tape included in the kit to prevent liquid resin from seeping through the hole.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 7Bullet1 -
Mix the resin with the catalyst product and the dye according to the instructions in the package. Wear a pair of disposable gloves during this step of the process to avoid direct contact with the mixture.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 7Bullet2 -
Pour the resin into the supplied syringe.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 7Bullet3 -
Spray it into the hole making sure to cover all the area that needs to be filled.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 7Bullet4 -
Wait for it to solidify for at least two hours.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 7Bullet5 -
Remove the tape and sand the surface to smooth it out.
Fix Car Tail Lights Step 7Bullet6
Advice
- The next time you have a problem with your car's rear lights you will be able to fix it yourself by making the necessary replacements. Good quality and fully functional taillights are indispensable for driving safely on the motorway and avoiding unpleasant accidents.
- To avoid fines, check that the taillights are always in perfect condition. They usually last several years, but it is always advisable to carry out thorough annual inspections or at least every two years. By doing this you are sure that the lights will always be perfect.
- This is why the traffic police and brigade always pay close attention to the condition of the taillights. They are very scrupulous in noticing any blown light bulbs, because they know that a small malfunction can undermine road safety.
- On some modern cars, the taillights are fitted with LED lights instead of normal bulbs. These are sometimes not replaceable and it is necessary to change the entire optical group.
- Without functioning taillights, the possibility of rear-end collision increases considerably. Some chain accidents are caused by this kind of malfunction. This is a very important element of the car, especially when the weather conditions limit visibility on the road.
- Once the lights are fixed, you need to go to the police station for an inspection. In this way the administrative detention will be canceled, but the fine will not be removed.
- It is a good idea to know how to replace blown bulbs yourself. This is a very simple operation, as described in this article. By doing this you can save a lot of money on car maintenance.
- The taillights are an important part of the vehicle. They convey vital messages to the drivers who follow you, especially when you slow down, are about to stop, make a turn or drive at night.
- It is worth buying spare bulbs and an extra crystal. That way you don't have to go to the auto parts store every time a taillight burns out. Some bulb models are not easy to find at all, so it is worth buying several along with the spare crystal.
