Nissan Repair: tail and stop lites - 88 300zx, stop lamp, lighting system

Question
QUESTION: tail lites (running lites) will not come on yet the stop lites work...replaced lite bulbs, 1157's, and checked all fuses...is this the proper bulb...and does the tail and stop lamp sensor have anything to do with operation?..if so, how is that checked to see if it is bad?

...great site, am 1st time user and would appreciate any help...

John


ANSWER: Hi John -

If the tail lights and stop lights come from one and the same bulb (I think they do), then the 1157 is the correct bulb. Otherwise it is the 1156, which is a single filament.

First thing I would check (if you haven't already) is the fuse for the circuit. Located under dash driver's side. Look for a fuse labeled "tail" or similar.

Let me know

aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ...have checked fuses already as stated in 1st question...can you tell me about the tail and stop lamp sensor in trunk that the circuits appear to run thru..

Thanks, John

Answer
Hi John -

That is like a smart circuit board that works with the lighting system.
A good check on that is to get a light 12V tester and while the headlights are on, check the power to the wires coming out of the box. If there is no power going out, but power going in, then the sensor may be defective.

Hope this helps
aloha
calvin