Tail lights

[90jurassic2]

I have an 85 with a flatbed on it. The brake lights work, but the tail lights don't. I don't know where to start with this problem but it needs to get fixed. Any starting points?

 

[black_demon69]

Bulbs

 

[90jurassic2]

I know the bulbs are good because they come on when I press the brakes. The issue is most likely in the wiring. I looked at all the connectors and they seemed solid.

 

[black_demon69]

are they dual filament bulbs if so only the filament for the tail lights could be burnt out leaving the filament for the brake lights working?

how many wires to the back of the socket?

could also be bad socket

at least that is where i would start

 

[Ruffinit]

Yeah, an '85 should have dual filament bulbs as the demon states. I've had quite a few problems with my '96 wiring being brittle. Are the license plate lights on? Front marker lights? All these run from the same place, but because yours has a flat bed I'm guessing someone has messed with the wiring harness in the past. If only the rear tail lights and license plate lights aren't working, it's time to start peeling back the black electrical tape and taking a look-see. I'm guessing that if both tail lights are not functioning it wouldn't be a socket. The wiring should run to the left (driver's side) tail light, but split off and go to the license plate lights and then the right side.

 

[black_demon69]

my point in earlier post is that i would start with bulb (bulbs are cheap and easy) then socket and work my way up to the front of truck until i had found the problem.

 

[rangerboy1986]

check bulbs, and if that doesn't work check for a bad ground or loose trailer hitch wires. i had a similar problem on my 86 where a tag light wire came loose and rubbed on the frame and it had my lights all messed up.