The tail lights on my 02 Forester are out when the lights are on. The brake lights work. I haven’t had a second to check anything but wanted to get some ideas first.
I’m definitely going to check a fuse and see if its out. I’ve never dealt with this so I’m not sure if their is usually another big area to look into this. I’m guessing this wouldn’t be a bulb issue due to both being out and the brake lights working which would use the same bulb. Would the next spot be at the hinge area of the hatch and see if line is cracked and corroded.
I know this is probably a basic thing, but trying to figure out all my options so that I’m not left wondering what next if they don’t work.
ALOT of things to check… relays, fuses, brake light switch could be bad, turn signal switch could be bad… headlight switch could be bad, I would check all fuses first and relays if any, then start with switches…
None of these are what I said to check though. Front marker lights… the yellow lights that come on next to the headlights. They’re not headlights or signal lights.
And yes, it’s possible the tail light filament went bad while the brake light filament is fine but it’s less likely for both the left and right tail light filaments go at the same time.
I’m willing to bet your front marker lights are out too because the fuse popped.
What shop are you going to that will do electrical diagnostic for $15?
Lol I know bulbs for tail lights have two filaments and that is exactly what happened. All fuses pulled to check and none were popped. Some how all 4 bulbs in the back decided to go pop at the same time. Not sure if it had to deal at all with the brake problem I had or not with the brakes not wanting to release and causing smoking from the brakes. (that’s fixed) I changed all 4 bulbs, two outside with brake light, two on hatch (little bulbs) All lights are working completely.
And I’d love to know where a shop would be that would charge you $15 to do diagnostics on electrical.