Right side no taillight/front marker light not working

JOSEPHNICHOLS72

MEMBER
2009 MITSUBISHI GALANT
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
126,000 MILES

I was told from the mechanic that the headlight switch was bad. I replace the headlight switch and the lights started working. Three weeks later the same lights went back out. Not sure what is causing the power loss on that side other than the headlight switch but it's got to be more than the headlight switch like something shorting the headlight switch out for the right side lights. Hopefully somebody knows what the problem is so I don't have to keep replacing headlight switches.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

There are a couple things we need to check. First, since it worked when the new switch was installed, my first suspect is there is a bad connection at the switch. What I want you to do is remove the switch and confirm the pins in the plug are not corroded, pushed in, or damaged in any way.

Next, I attached two pics. I circled the tail light relay as well as the fuse and splices that tie the front and rear light together. Check those things as well.

Here is a link that explains how to test a relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if the brake light or turn signal is working as well.

Take care,
Joe

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Saturday, September 14th, 2019 AT 6:16 PM

JOSEPHNICHOLS72

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I've checked everything in the test that you said and everything checks out okay. I did notice the right fog light bulb is busted. If the fog lights were on driving down the road and the air was blowing the socket around could it short out somewhere and cause the right front marker light and right tail light to go out and blow a fuse?

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Thursday, September 26th, 2019 AT 8:30 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Welcome back:

Yes, something may have shorted, Have you checked fuses? Also, have you checked the connection at the switch to make sure nothing is loose or if one of the pins on the connector is corroded or pushed in and not making a good connection?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, September 26th, 2019 AT 7:24 PM