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

otacon88 · 11-27-2012, 12:09 PM

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?

kidkotic2001 · 11-27-2012, 01:11 PM

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

1st · 11-27-2012, 03:44 PM

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.

SouthArk370Z · 11-27-2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otacon88

... the tail lights do not work when the head lights are on, but the brake lights work fine if I push the brake. ... What could the problem be?

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.

karotZ · 11-27-2012, 05:05 PM

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

otacon88 · 11-27-2012, 06:35 PM

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?

1st · 11-27-2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otacon88

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.

Montez · 11-27-2012, 07:00 PM

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.

cossie1600 · 11-27-2012, 07:16 PM

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

Dsevast · 11-27-2012, 07:24 PM

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

!

LMBmikeZ · 11-27-2012, 09:50 PM

The taillights are LEDs so it won't be a bulb like normal cars, most likely a fuse

they probably didn't disconnect the battery while working on it and that can always lead to problems ie. blown fuse!

GL

otacon88 · 11-27-2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dsevast

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

!

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMBmikeZ

The taillights are LEDs so it won't be a bulb like normal cars, most likely a fuse

they probably didn't disconnect the battery while working on it and that can always lead to problems ie. blown fuse!

GL

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.

houkouonchi · 11-27-2012, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMBmikeZ

The taillights are LEDs so it won't be a bulb like normal cars, most likely a fuse

they probably didn't disconnect the battery while working on it and that can always lead to problems ie. blown fuse!

GL

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

LMBmikeZ · 11-27-2012, 10:34 PM

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

Montez · 11-27-2012, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otacon88

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

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

11-27-2012, 12:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
otacon88 Base Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 155 Drives: Red 2012 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 13	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? __________________ Performance: FI CBE 18inch resonators and CF mufflers \| Pending - CAI Show: CF License Plate Frame, Amuse Rear Bumper and side skirts, Seibon SR Front lip, Aerojacket Vented Fenders\| Pending - SSR Type F, Springs, Tint, Sport Rear spoiler

11-27-2012, 01:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
kidkotic2001 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 541 Drives: Like Crazy Rep Power: 15	I would definitely start with the bulb. I got my 2012 and a week later my bulb went out. I had Nissan replace it. __________________ ThAt WaS a CrAzY nIgHt

11-27-2012, 05:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
karotZ Track Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: not found Posts: 723 Drives: on empty tank of gas Rep Power: 15	Try removing your tail lights and reconnect/re-seat them. __________________ VERTEX \| SUIVAX \| AMUSE \| SSR \| SPARCO \| STILLEN \| FAST INTENTIONS x HKS \| HANKOOK \| NARDI \| NRG \| EVO-R \| ROBISPEC \| SPC

11-27-2012, 06:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
otacon88 Base Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 155 Drives: Red 2012 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 13	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? __________________ Performance: FI CBE 18inch resonators and CF mufflers \| Pending - CAI Show: CF License Plate Frame, Amuse Rear Bumper and side skirts, Seibon SR Front lip, Aerojacket Vented Fenders\| Pending - SSR Type F, Springs, Tint, Sport Rear spoiler

11-27-2012, 07:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
Dsevast Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cleveland Ohio Age: 38 Posts: 208 Drives: 2011 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 14	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 ! __________________ 2011 PW 6MT, Fast Intentions CBE, Fast Intentions RHFC's, Stillen Gen 3's, Uprev, Whiteline sways, 24 Row Oil cooler

11-27-2012, 03:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
1st A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: I 80 Biz U.S. 50 Posts: 1,710 Drives: Platinum Z Rep Power: 1616	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.

11-27-2012, 07:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
Montez Track Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca Posts: 604 Drives: 16 LEX GS,09 Z,03Max Rep Power: 17	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.

11-27-2012, 07:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	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

11-27-2012, 09:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
LMBmikeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 12,237 Drives: 40th Rep Power: 10350	The taillights are LEDs so it won't be a bulb like normal cars, most likely a fuse they probably didn't disconnect the battery while working on it and that can always lead to problems ie. blown fuse! GL 1st likes this. __________________ CUSTOM NISMO \| BERK \| H&R \| STANCE \| SPL everything \| EVO-R \| 34 Setrab \| WHITELINE \| Redline \| Carkitcompany \| Zspeed \| UpRev \| SEIBON

11-27-2012, 10:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
LMBmikeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 12,237 Drives: 40th Rep Power: 10350	Yep we have LEDs back there, so is the Z side marker __________________ CUSTOM NISMO \| BERK \| H&R \| STANCE \| SPL everything \| EVO-R \| 34 Setrab \| WHITELINE \| Redline \| Carkitcompany \| Zspeed \| UpRev \| SEIBON

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