Parking and taillights not working

Tiny
CONNIE MEARKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 280 MILES
My truck is a turbo diesel 5 speed. Taillights and parking lights don't work.
Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 5:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Have you checked fuses to confirm there are none blown? Also, is there anything else not working?

Next, at the top of the brake pedal is a brake light switch. I need you to check it for both adjustment and make sure it isn't disconnected. I attached a pic below to help identify it.

Here are the directions for removal and replacement of the switch:

______________________________

The stop lamp switch incorporates a self adjusting feature. To adjust or replace the switch, use the following procedures.
1. Install the switch in the retaining bracket and push the switch forward as far as it will go. Brake pedal will move forward slightly.
2. Gently pull back on the brake pedal bringing the striker back toward the switch until the brake pedal will go back no further. This will cause the switch to ratchet backward to the correct position.
3. Verify that stop light switch does not prevent full pedal return. Incomplete return will cause brake drag and premature wear.

______________________________

If everything is connected, confirm there is power to the switch, both in and out of it. Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for testing the switch and making sure there is power to it.

_____________________________

STOP LIGHT/BRAKE SWITCH TEST
1. Disconnect six cavity connector from stop lamp switch pigtail.
2. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity at switch side of connector with brake pedal released.
3. Continuity should be present between the black wire and white/pink, yellow/red and dark blue/red wires.
4. Continuity should not be present between the pink and white wires.
5. With brake pedal depressed, there should be continuity between the pink and white wires. There should be no continuity between black and white/pink, yellow/red and dark blue/red wires.
6. If the above results are not obtained, adjust or replace stop lamp switch as necessary.

_______________________________________

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

_______________________________________

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, and don't laugh, does the horn work? It is powered by the same fuse as the tail lights. If the horn is working, then it should have power.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:34 PM

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