brake light problems

[Kingston_99]

when i turn my lights on (parker lights, low beam and high beam ligths) my tail lights do not come on. when i press the brake it tail lights come on, but to have normal driving tail lights they are dead?

is it as simple as a fuse? or should i go into an auto lecky place?

i would like to do it myself to save money if it is something simple im missing

[-Scott-]

Check earths at the light assemblies. Make sure each tail light has a decent earth.

[chimpboy]

Brake lights and tail lights most likely have a shared earth. However they have different power wires coming in. When you press the brake pedal, it's the brake lights coming on not the tail lights, they just happen to be in the same place.

is it as simple as a fuse?

I don't know. Check the fuse! And the globes. I wouldn't go near an auto elec until you've at least checked those things.

[grubb]

have you installed a new stereo in your truck lately if so you could have picked up the illumination wire instead of earth that would make your fuse blow

[highwaychook]

Mate the first step before going to an electrician is easy, check the bulbs first up, and the earth. You have had the lights under mud and shit etc so I'm betting it's a bulb or earth....

[chimpboy]

Guys, don't brake and tail lights usually have the same earth? With a dual filament globe? I guess it's worth checking but if the brake lights work then it wouldn't be the top item would it?

[Kingston_99]

thanks guys, i'll have a look at it tomorrow.

i havnt put a new stezza in or anything elcetrical. last thing i changed was a new stero which was 3 months ago

i havnt had the car in mud or dirt. last time my car touched any dirt was movin from weipa to isa which was 3 weeks ago.

i have had a look at the fuses, but i didnt pull every one out. so mite have a look tomorrow. give it a good look over

[Kingston_99]

update:

i think i may found out what my problem is. i remeber the last time i touched dirt which was on wednesday

i forgot about that little trip. anyway the road was bull dust. i manged to pull one side off and it was full of dust. so gave her a blow and now need to do the other side.but i ending up striping one of the bolts that holds a cage/rail protector of the light so cant take the light cover off with the cage in the way. goin to work tomorrow to fix it with a grinder

[Kingston_99]

well guys, it wasnt a bad earth but a busted light bulb

feel a little embarressed on OL in the auto section..

[highwaychook]

Too easy Kingy