Tail lights not working

Tiny
RABIDJOK3R
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I have the K-1500 model. My tail lights are not working, my head lights are working, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights are all working. I replaced the bulbs, I checked the fuses all look good. I also have no gauge lights. Any help you can give is appreciated. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 AT 2:15 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,737 POSTS
First, check if the horn works. If it does, look for the 20-amp "Parking Lamp" fuse. If my diagram is to be believed, it is exactly in the center of the fuse box. Check for twelve volts on both sides of it. That should be a spade-type fuse with two test points on top.
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Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
RABIDJOK3R
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I do not believe the horn has worked at all since I have had the truck. Does that make a difference?
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Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
RABIDJOK3R
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Double checked and the horn does work. When I checked the fuse looks good. But. My multi-meter is reading 0 volts.
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Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,737 POSTS
Following diagrams on a computer is really miserable when I have to jump between multiple pages one at a time. Without more searching to know for sure, it appears the horn circuit is fed from the same source that feeds the tail light circuit. That is what makes it a good clue.

The problem now is there has to be twelve volts on that fuse if the horn works, unless someone rewired it to solve a dead horn. To save time, pull the light switch out, then check for twelve volts on the orange wire in the connector. If you have it there, we can move on. Turn the switch to the head lights or running lights position, then you should have twelve volts on the brown wire. If it is missing there, the switch is defective. If you have it there, look for anything that does work on that circuit, including the radio display and heater controls. If some things work and some do not, there is a splice in that brown wire that is likely corroded apart.
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Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 AT 6:49 PM

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