Rear lights not working, no 12V output

<p>If your car&#39;s rear lights are not functioning despite installing new connections and there is no 12V output, you might face a significant electrical issue. This problem can be identified by observing that the rear lights remain off even when the headlight switch is activated. It typically occurs consistently and may be accompanied by other electrical failures, such as non-functional brake lights or turn signals. Key diagnostic indicators include the absence of voltage at the rear light connectors and potentially blown fuses or faulty relays.</p>

<ul><li><b>Blown Fuse:</b> A blown fuse in the rear light circuit will prevent power from reaching the lights, resulting in no 12V output.</li><li><b>Faulty Light Switch:</b> A malfunctioning light switch can fail to send the necessary signal to the rear lights, cutting off power supply.</li><li><b>Bad Ground Connection:</b> Poor or corroded ground connections can interrupt the electrical circuit, leading to a lack of power to the rear lights.</li><li><b>Damaged Wiring Harness:</b> Worn or damaged wiring can break the electrical path, preventing voltage from reaching the rear lights.</li><li><b>Defective Relay:</b> A faulty relay responsible for the rear lights can disrupt the power flow, resulting in no output.</li><li><b>Incorrect Installation:</b> New connections may have been installed incorrectly, causing an open circuit and no power delivery.</li><li><b>Control Module Failure:</b> A malfunction in the vehicle&#39;s control module can affect the distribution of power to the rear lights.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Driving with non-functional rear lights is unsafe as it compromises visibility to other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.</li> <li>It is generally not recommended to continue driving until the issue is resolved to ensure safety on the road.</li> <li>Warning signs to stop immediately: <ul> <li>No brake lights, which are critical for communicating stopping intentions to other drivers.</li> <li>Non-functional turn signals, which can lead to accidents when changing lanes or turning.</li> <li>Other electrical failures like dashboard warnings or flickering lights, indicating a broader electrical problem.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Ignoring this issue can result in traffic violations, increased risk of rear-end collisions, and further electrical damage to the vehicle.</li> </ul>

<ul> <li>An OBD scanner is a tool that connects to your car's onboard diagnostics system to read fault codes.</li> <li>It's important for this issue as it can help identify underlying electrical faults causing the rear lights to fail.</li> <li>Benefits of using an OBD scanner: <ul> <li><b>Transparency:</b> Provides clear fault codes that help you understand the specific electrical issue affecting the rear lights.</li> <li><b>Cost Reduction:</b> Identifies the exact problem, potentially saving money by avoiding unnecessary repairs or misdiagnosis.</li> <li><b>Documentation:</b> Tracks when the issue started, helping you monitor recurring problems and providing a history for future reference.</li> <li><b>Early Detection:</b> Detects other potential electrical issues early, preventing them from becoming more significant problems.</li> <li><b>Better Communication:</b> Equips you with specific information to discuss the problem accurately with mechanics, ensuring effective repairs.</li> <li><b>Verification:</b> Confirms that repairs have been successful by clearing fault codes and checking if they reappear.</li> </ul> </li> <li>This empowers the user by providing control over the diagnostic process, reducing reliance on guesswork, and enhancing understanding of vehicle health.</li> </ul>