k5zombie666
Registered Member
I have no tail lights. the back up light and the rear turn signal light still work but no tail light. I replaced the bulb and nothing. my dash lights are also out. could it be linked to the same problem?
CK5
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tail light problem!!! NEED ADVICE ASAP
- Thread starter k5zombie666
- Start date
whats the year? try the fuse? somebody on here has same issue with tbi k5.
corroded terminals? clean the bulb sockets out with a small wire brush
Try switching the headlights on and off quickly a time or two. Your headlight switch might be getting flaky. That is about the only think I can think of that would cause both.
Otherwise, it might be a couple of blown bulbs. One could have blown some time ago, and you never noticed it until the other one blew.
J.
Otherwise, it might be a couple of blown bulbs. One could have blown some time ago, and you never noticed it until the other one blew.
J.
dash lights go out as a warning that your tail's aren't working.
Check all connections for corrosion. Don't overlook the T connector for your trailer lights behind the hitch....they often get dipped in the lake and like to hold water.
They are on the same circuit, you probably have a fuse out. If it goes out again right away then you need to find the short.
k5zombie666
Registered Member
The sockets are clean and the wires look good. I guess its time to check the fuses....
Recon!
Maniac
I just had the exact same problem. First the fuse blew out, and then my brake light switch started sticking, so I replaced it. They work perfectly now.
k5zombie666
Registered Member
The fuse was bad so I replaced it. I pull the light switch and the dash lights and brake lights come on. I turn on the truck then two seconds later I hear a click and the lights go back out. How do I go about finding the problem???
This can be one of those hard ones to find. Sounds like the fuse blew again.
The hard way, which might be the only way, is to disconnect the rear lights and try the fuse again. If it does not blow, then we have a place to start looking.
As dhcomp said, be sure to check any trailer light connections first. Also, unplug the t connection under the back bumper and try the fuse again.
I used to have a test light that I could plug in in place of the fuse. Then, when I turned it all on, instead of the fuse blowing, the test light came on bright.
Then I just disconnected things until the light went dim.
I have not seen mine in years, and it was homemade to start with. Surely someone out there has seen one and knows where to buy it.
It should be a lot cheaper than replacing lots of fuses until you find the problem.
Make sure the fuse is blown again, and try disconnecting the taillight harness.
If it does not blow again after you do that, then start checking for a frayed wire.
I wish I had a schematic so I could give you better suggestions as to where to start looking.
Anyone here have a link to one??
J.
The hard way, which might be the only way, is to disconnect the rear lights and try the fuse again. If it does not blow, then we have a place to start looking.
As dhcomp said, be sure to check any trailer light connections first. Also, unplug the t connection under the back bumper and try the fuse again.
I used to have a test light that I could plug in in place of the fuse. Then, when I turned it all on, instead of the fuse blowing, the test light came on bright.
Then I just disconnected things until the light went dim.
I have not seen mine in years, and it was homemade to start with. Surely someone out there has seen one and knows where to buy it.
It should be a lot cheaper than replacing lots of fuses until you find the problem.
Make sure the fuse is blown again, and try disconnecting the taillight harness.
If it does not blow again after you do that, then start checking for a frayed wire.
I wish I had a schematic so I could give you better suggestions as to where to start looking.
Anyone here have a link to one??
J.
k5zombie666
Registered Member
I turn on the truck and turn on the lights and its fine. The fuse goes out as soon as I put it in reverse. I took off all the rear bulbs and put it in reverse the fuse still goes out!!!!! 
If its an automatic might be the reverse switch located on the steering column under the dash.
k5zombie666
Registered Member
I just had my transmission rebuilt and I noticed this problem the next day. Could that have anything to do with it?
Recon!
Maniac
Something could have been hooked up backwards, or they cut/frayed a wire that is now grounding out
Oh man, wish I had known that earlier...
Ok, depending on your schedule, it would be best to wait for daylight, but if you have to do it at night, get a good light.
Find a comfortable place to work, make sure the truck can't roll on you, and have at it.
Slide under the truck, and slowly and carefully examine where any wires pass the transmission.
Look where the cross member that holds up the tranny bolts to the frame. Trace all the wire harnesses that go from the front to the back past the tranny.
The single most likely problem is a wire that got pinched between two pieces of metal when the transmission was bolted back down.
Find where the wire harness passes the transmission brace and move it around to make sure its not clamped under the brace.
I'm not sure where the reverse switch is located on your truck. Some trucks have it on the side of the transmission.
Kgblazer5 mentioned that it was on the column under the dash. If so, then it is not as likely to be damaged by the overhaul than if it was on the transmission its self.
Just look at everything they had to take loose to get the transmission out, and I will bet you will find either a pinched wire, or frayed one.
J.
Ok, depending on your schedule, it would be best to wait for daylight, but if you have to do it at night, get a good light.
Find a comfortable place to work, make sure the truck can't roll on you, and have at it.
Slide under the truck, and slowly and carefully examine where any wires pass the transmission.
Look where the cross member that holds up the tranny bolts to the frame. Trace all the wire harnesses that go from the front to the back past the tranny.
The single most likely problem is a wire that got pinched between two pieces of metal when the transmission was bolted back down.
Find where the wire harness passes the transmission brace and move it around to make sure its not clamped under the brace.
I'm not sure where the reverse switch is located on your truck. Some trucks have it on the side of the transmission.
Kgblazer5 mentioned that it was on the column under the dash. If so, then it is not as likely to be damaged by the overhaul than if it was on the transmission its self.
Just look at everything they had to take loose to get the transmission out, and I will bet you will find either a pinched wire, or frayed one.
J.
k5zombie666
Registered Member
FORDUM you hit right on the money. There was a a bad wire right by the tranny. The trans shop took care of it. THANX to everyone who commented.
Recon!
Maniac
Glad you got it figured out!
