Brake lights work but tail lights do not....need some help
 

There wasn't an electrical section so I'm just posting here so I can get some help. I have a 2012 base that I bought in May, just last week got a lot of body work done (front lip, vented fenders, side skirts, and rear bumper). I was told the rear tail lights had to come off to remove the bumper. Ever since getting the car back, the tail lights do not work when the head lights are on, but the brake lights work fine if I push the brake.

It can't be a blown/dying bulb, the car is almost new. The mechanic said he didn't mess with any wires at all, just unplugged the connection to the tail lights then re plugged it back in. Doesn't look like any wires are cut either.

What could the problem be?

I would definitely start with the bulb. I got my 2012 and a week later my bulb went out. I had Nissan replace it.

2 things come to mind.

1. Bulb (There are 2 elements in the bulb itself I believe for our bulbs. One for consent lumination when headlights on and one used for breaking). One could be burnt

2. Plugged incorrectly even though the mechanic stated he plugged it in right.

I would start with the bulb. Sounds like the bulb.

If neither of the tail lights ever come on, then I suspect a blown fuse (see the user manual and/or FSM). Or a bad connection. Or a cut wire. I'd check them in that order.

Try removing your tail lights and reconnect/re-seat them.

I am electrically challenged with cars unfortunately. If I take it to the nissan dealserhip they should easily be able to tell me what the problem is right?

For a fee perhaps. Somebody mentioned a fuse maybe that.

Yea I would start with the tail lamp fuse, that one may be under the hood. Pull it and see the center flows together to the dges, if appears to be seperated its blown replace it. You should be covered under the 1 yr/12k warranty that covers everything, unless your guy did something that he is not owning up to and the dealer see's that if you have to take it in.

Good luck. I did some custom wiring in the hatch and the car threw a complete fit. I think the bodyshop guys screwed it up

Yeah if none of the lights in the back are working I would guess it's a fuse. I blew this fuse not too long ago. It is the 10amp fuse under the hood labeled DTRL, (day time running lights). Take a look at this thread:
Fuse box location
there are pics that show you exactly how to take the fuse box out of our cars and check that fuse. You should be able to check that single fuse even if you are electrically inclined like you stated.

The problem I had was exactly like you said... The rear lights would not come on when the headlights are on, but would still work with the brake lights. Just check the fuse and then :happydance:!

The taillights are LEDs so it won't be a bulb like normal cars, most likely a fuse :tup: they probably didn't disconnect the battery while working on it and that can always lead to problems ie. blown fuse!

GL

where can i get a replacement for the fuse? what is it that I have buy exactly if it is a blown fuse?

Gah I'm thinking this is what it is...I don't think they disconnected the battery and unplugged the lights in the back. probably a blown fuse from the sounds of it.

I was about to say... What is up with all the people saying bulb... Coulda sworn our cars had LED's =P

Yep we have LEDs back there, so is the Z side marker :tup:

There are spare fuses in the box and some in the fuse box under the drivers side dash, you don't need to buy anything