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Front and back running lights not working

Tiny
HANNAH PAPPS
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 123,000 MILES
We can't figure out how to get the running lights to work on it the head lights work the blinkers and the brake lights work, but the front and back running lights don't. We have replaced the fuses and bulbs can't figure it out. Please help
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Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 AT 8:36 AM

16 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

There is a fuse for the parking lights. I have attached a wiring diagram for you to view.

Check the fuse for power on both sides. This is a power test, not a visual test.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

The next stop is the headlight switch. Make sure there is power to the highlighted wire to the headlight switch.

Roy
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 9:58 AM
Tiny
GOLIASTRO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Rear parking lights won't work on a 1996 Dodge Dakota. Turn signals work, and front parking lights work.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Check the wiring on the driver's side near the end of the frame. Also, if the wiring is good, check the headlight switch and all fuses.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GOLIASTRO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
The rear lights have power when tested, but are not working. Is the ground wire the problem, and where is the ground wire located?
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
If you are getting power using a seperate test light, it could be a bad ground or the socket may be worn and the light itself isn't making a good contact inside. Check that.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
EILEEN TILLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
The brake lights don't work, headlights, taillights don't work, ABS light is on, door locks don't work, Brake light is on tachometer (sp?) Don't work. Gas gage don't work. We have checked all fuses and they are good, put new headlight switch in, checked all power lines and we are getting power. Not sure where to go from here?
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,870 POSTS
Lets start with an easy circuit and hope all the dead circuits have a common cause. Go right on the brake light switch and use a test light to check for 12 volts on one wire all the time, and 12 volts on the switched wire when you press the brake pedal. I'm going to search for a service manual to see the wire colors you're after.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,870 POSTS
I found the wiring diagram. The first wire you want is pink / dark blue. That must have 12 volts all the time. Next is the white / tan. That one must have 12 volts when you press the brake pedal.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TJN2010
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 DODGE DAKOTA
1995 Dodge Dakota

how do I fix my tail lights they just went out and dont work when I press the brake?
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
If the bulbs are good, check the brake light switch. It's attached to the brake pedal under the dash. Make sure you are getting power to the switch, and when the pedal is depressed, you have power out. Also, did you check the fuse?

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
L.W.JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
  • 1994 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 224,567 MILES
When I turn on my headlights I do not have dash lights or tail lights or running lights.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,490 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a headlight switch that has failed, please check all fuses first here is a wiring diagram and guide that will help with the testing. See the image below.

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

Please let me know what you find

Best, Ken
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
L.W.JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Yep that is what I thought, thanks
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
L.W.JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Is it just a plug in deal?
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,490 POSTS
Yes it is, car repair late night! Only on 2CarPros, please let me know if you need anything else we are here to help.

Best, Ken
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
L.W.JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Will do thanks.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 AT 10:12 AM (Merged)

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