Tailllights not working after 4th brake light

NorthStyle · 02-12-2023, 11:59 AM

All, I've run into a bit of an issue. I was installing a 4th brake light on the Z and while testing the lights/connections, the taillight "on" wire and ground came in contact with one another (kind've the wife's fault, but I didn't tell her to keep them apart so my fault in the end

). For reference, the fog light is piggybacking off of the driver side taillight.

Anyway, after the contact, the taillights [parking/running and brake, turn signals, reverse] were out on both driver/passenger sides, and dash and gauge lighting were all inoperable. Troubleshoot, I was able to find two blown 10A fuses from the drivers side foot panel (labeled "Meter" and "Stop Lamp") with an Ohm meter and after replacing them, have everything functioning with the exception of the rear parking running lights.

I tested the "Tail/Illumi" fuse (tested fine but replaced it anyway) and fuse panel in the engine bay (next to the battery) but both were reading fine; I'm not sure where the relay is located so have been unable to look.

Any advice or is this one lesson I'm about to learn through my wallet?

NorthStyle · 02-12-2023, 02:52 PM

To Add:

Ran a system scan via Ecutek and other than a B1023 for my passenger airbag (aftermarket Recarods and need to replace the resistor), both the BCM and IPDM displayed no codes.

NorthStyle · 02-14-2023, 06:38 PM

Figured it out: ended up being the DTRL fuse on the IPDM fuse box next to the battery. I also changed the DTRL relay in the fuse box near the front of the engine but don't think it was necessary.

Hope this helps someone out in the future.

cooltoy · 02-14-2023, 11:44 PM

I'll be sure to pull the wife fuse first, when attempting something like that ever.

NorthStyle · 02-15-2023, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooltoy

I'll be sure to pull the wife fuse first, when attempting something like that ever.

Definitely agree. I also found that there is a brand of fuses with LEDs attached that light when the fuse has blown; definitely considering replacing all of mine with them.

vtec to vvel · 02-15-2023, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthStyle

Definitely agree. I also found that there is a brand of fuses with LEDs attached that light when the fuse has blown; definitely considering replacing all of mine with them.

Such a simple innovation that would save so much time/headaches/vexations and make life easier.

ZStalker505 · 02-24-2023, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooltoy

I'll be sure to pull the wife fuse first, when attempting something like that ever.

02-12-2023, 11:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
NorthStyle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Deutschland + SC/FL USA Posts: 1,255 Drives: 2011 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 24277	Tailllights not working after 4th brake light All, I've run into a bit of an issue. I was installing a 4th brake light on the Z and while testing the lights/connections, the taillight "on" wire and ground came in contact with one another (kind've the wife's fault, but I didn't tell her to keep them apart so my fault in the end ). For reference, the fog light is piggybacking off of the driver side taillight. Anyway, after the contact, the taillights [parking/running and brake, turn signals, reverse] were out on both driver/passenger sides, and dash and gauge lighting were all inoperable. Troubleshoot, I was able to find two blown 10A fuses from the drivers side foot panel (labeled "Meter" and "Stop Lamp") with an Ohm meter and after replacing them, have everything functioning with the exception of the rear parking running lights. I tested the "Tail/Illumi" fuse (tested fine but replaced it anyway) and fuse panel in the engine bay (next to the battery) but both were reading fine; I'm not sure where the relay is located so have been unable to look. Any advice or is this one lesson I'm about to learn through my wallet?

02-14-2023, 06:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
NorthStyle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Deutschland + SC/FL USA Posts: 1,255 Drives: 2011 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 24277	Figured it out: ended up being the DTRL fuse on the IPDM fuse box next to the battery. I also changed the DTRL relay in the fuse box near the front of the engine but don't think it was necessary. Hope this helps someone out in the future. cv129, cooltoy, sx moneypit and 1 others like this.

02-14-2023, 11:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
cooltoy Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Calgary Posts: 13,971 Drives: 14 PW 370Z S/T MT Rep Power: 243722	I'll be sure to pull the wife fuse first, when attempting something like that ever. sx moneypit and Averying like this. __________________ Member of kenchan's "photoshopped mods" and "proper offsets" gang.

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02-12-2023, 02:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
NorthStyle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Deutschland + SC/FL USA Posts: 1,255 Drives: 2011 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 24277	To Add: Ran a system scan via Ecutek and other than a B1023 for my passenger airbag (aftermarket Recarods and need to replace the resistor), both the BCM and IPDM displayed no codes.