what would cause the tail lights and brake lights to go completely out and how do i fix it?

1990 TOYOTA TERCEL
1,350,000 MILES
Avatar
ALLFIREDUPLADY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
all tail lights and brake lights went out and will not come back on. Right before that happened the battery and charger idiots lights would flicker but go off when the car was put into neutral. We just replaced the battery and the alternator. We replaced the fuses for the tail lights and the tail light relay switch. What else can it be??????
Nov 26, 2011 at 1:29 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Check for loose connections if you just replaced the parts. Check ground from battery to engine.
Nov 26, 2011 at 1:37 AM
Avatar
ALLFIREDUPLADY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
could the new relay switch be bad? also one other thing: One of the lenses for the turn signal in the front is broken. My boyfriend washed my car and got water in there. Now the lights were fine immediately after it got washed but could that have caused a short and if so how do I fix it?
Nov 26, 2011 at 3:14 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
yes, it could have shorted. Also, you can get new parts that are bad. I get them all the time. It is very frustrating. Check to make sure the connections are good and check the fuses under the dash and under the hood.
Nov 26, 2011 at 3:20 AM
Avatar
ALLFIREDUPLADY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
So you are telling me that besides the fuses under the dash, there is also one under the hood
Nov 26, 2011 at 4:40 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I believe there is one there too.
Nov 26, 2011 at 4:59 AM
Avatar
ALLFIREDUPLADY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
and if it shorted out, how do i fix it? I have to have a car, its extremely important right now
Nov 26, 2011 at 5:11 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It should have blown a fuse.
Nov 26, 2011 at 5:17 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.