Some context. Front passenger headlight was being a pain and would go out if not used for a while. I could go and smack the headlight and get it to work or go and jostle the connector to the bulb a little and it would turn on and stay on consistently until not used for a while. So I decided to just change the bulbs which completely fixed the problem. Now though neither of my tail lights are working If I start the car with the lights off and then turn them on. If I start the car with the lights on from previously driving the tail lights work (not tested over a period of time). The issue I’m having is when I turn the lights on and the taillights are off if I can go and smack a singular tail light both of them turn on. The new headlights were the correct part number from Walmart.
Taillights not working
- Thread starter Dvidgd
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
If you are able to smack the light and they work it is most likely a "contact problem".
The first thing to check is your bulb contact area to the socket. If moisture has been able to get in there (headlights and taillights) corrosion will develop and jeopardize the contact area. Get some fine steel wool and clean out your taillight sockets. A bit of WD40 helps in this process. Wipe them clean and test. The headlights are a bit trickier to clean but is can be done. If this does not work you will want to check the grounding points for your harnesses.
The first thing to check is your bulb contact area to the socket. If moisture has been able to get in there (headlights and taillights) corrosion will develop and jeopardize the contact area. Get some fine steel wool and clean out your taillight sockets. A bit of WD40 helps in this process. Wipe them clean and test. The headlights are a bit trickier to clean but is can be done. If this does not work you will want to check the grounding points for your harnesses.