Mazda Repair: Tail LIght 1993 Mazda 929, 1993 mazda 929, tail lamps

Question
Hi John,

My dashboard shows that the tail light is out. I replaced the all bulbs and checked the fuse. All seem o.k. The brake light is working fine, but the tail light is not coming on. Could you give any hints what could be the problem.

Answer
Try removing both tail lamps and swapping them from left to right with them uninstalled and lying in the trunk. See if your problem moves with the tail lamp housing to the other side. If so, replace the tail lamp unit with a wrecking yard replacement or new as long as it comes with a new signal processor "box screwed to the back of the lamp" which sends the signal to the lamp indicator in the dash. If the lamp problem stays, try checking all the connectors at the plug and all the body grounds in the trunk. The trunk seals can leak and corrode the connectors for the tail lamps. Using a small jeweler’s file and or a spray can of connector cleaner you can refurbish the connectors enough to make it work again. Once the connectors are clean pack the connectors on both sides with petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion from happening again.

Regards,


John