Running lights front/rear...not working..

[Phattey]

Last night I was pulled over due to the drivers side rear running light was'nt on. Cop figured it was burned out thus time to replace..however he did state that the brake light did work. The bulb is a dual filiment and I just figured the running light portion burned out.

Replaced it this morning...yet the running light still won't illuminate whereas the brake filiment works..??!!?!!

I even replaced the bulb with the one that was working from the passenger side...still no driverside rear running light...

Walking around the car...I noticed the front doing it as well...hmmm

Left front turn indicator works, yet the driving light filiment wasn't...

What's up...any clues??

Phattey...

[Zeke]

As always, start checking the ground wires before making this a big project. You don't say what model it is, but at the worst case, it might be in your steering column. Hope not.

[Jon Hile]

Might also be the light switch. I've had a couple go bad over the years. Like Zeke says, check grounds first. Those light switches are expensive.

Also check the engine compartment light for any short. The running lights are on the same circuit.

[DavidI]

Phattey, check the fuses. I think both lights are wired to the same fuse in the trunk compartment.

Good luck, David

[Phattey]

Hmm..

My engine compartment light isn't working, even after a fresh bulb....but what's odd is that the passenger side ( front and rear) do work..

The fuses seem okay...the leads are intact. If a fuse is bad, wouldn't the lead on the fuse be split?

The PO had just put in a new sterring column...so I'm hoping it isn't having problems already.

As far as checking for ground issues...how would I do that?

Phattey...

[DavidI]

Phattey, I am positive that there is one fuse that controls both the front and rear running lights on the driver side and another that does the same for the passenger side. It is kind of strange the way they were wired. Although your fuse looks good, have you replaced it with one that is known to be good? I don't want to beat a dead horse, just trying to save you some money.

Good luck, David

[Phattey]

DavidI...thanks...

I looked into the fuse panel and found fuse 18.."Left side parking lights". I'm guessing this is for the front and rear. There's also a right side parking light fuse. This seems to be my problem(if it could really be this easy). I put the key in the ignition, turned on the parking lights and behold...only the right side is working. Odd though, the fuse looks okay, not burned out.

I guess I could swap those two fuses to see what gives. I'm keeping my fingers crossed this is all it is...

Thanks a ton...

Phattey

[84porsche]

I have had the same problem - it is most likely the fuse - I think it is the yellow 5A ones - if it is not making contact properly the lights go out - try cleaning the contact points and put in a new fuse. Good luck.

[Phattey]

Ahh...

It was the fuse, even though it looked okay.

Dropped a new one in and all is good.

Thanks all....

Phattey...

[DavidI]

Originally posted by Phattey
Ahh...

It was the fuse, even though it looked okay.

Dropped a new one in and all is good.

Thanks all....

Phattey...

Phattey, good to hear that the fix was free. That is the beauty of this board. So many people are willing to help out for free.

Good luck, David