Tail light and brake light issues

[SmutlySmute]

Hello everyone. I have 2000 Ranger XLT 4X4.......No tail lights or brake lights. The turn signals and emergency flashers are fine. All fuses are good. I need some advice on how I may track down a ground problem or maybe a short or even new ideas as to what the cause to be. I've come to the end of my trouble shooting skills so I'm asking the experts for HELP!

 

[rtg143]

Here are the wiring diagrams.

 

[black_demon69]

Here are the wiring diagrams.

is it wired for a trailer by chance wires might be rubbed through and shorted

 

[Tractor Dan]

On the theory of trailers also check the adapter if it was wired with one of those and not a splice job. Sometimes corrosion and stuff can mess with those i have seen. Also just throwing it out there and not trying to come across as a jerk. Did you make sure the bulb is good if it's a dual element bulb? I don't know the wiring or anything after 97 but i know they did switch i think to a 2 bulb instead of 3 bulb tail lamp assembly. So could be you have it bad on just one element but if it's both sides unlikely a bulb issue.

 

[RonD]

Just as a short cut on where to start looking I would first:
Check if 3rd brake light works(on the cab), it uses a different ground
Check if Reverse Lights work, they use same ground as tail/brake lights

Pull out a tail light bulb and test if you have 12volts at the socket with light switch on, use frame as ground not the socket.
If you do then yes, ground issue
If you don't issue is in cab wiring or wire bundle in frame rail

 

[James86]

Random question - do the gauge cluster lights work? Found out hard way it's the same fuse on my '99...

 

[ddeford78]

My '03 did the same thing...ended up being the multifunction switch connector in the steering column...when I tilted the wheel down a couple wires came out of the connector...when I tilted it up they slid back into place and I had lights.

Good luck

 

[SnC RangeR]

Brake light switch

 

[James86]

He said taillights AND brakelights... that's why I was curious if his gauge cluster lights worked since it's the same fuse. Brake switch would only affect brake lights, not running lights I'd think.