Q: Taillight going on and off
The taillight goes on and off. I think I might have a short in the wiring somewhere.
Recommended Services
| Rear lights are not working Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
This is a common issue. The bulbs in all the exterior lighting on a vehicle is mounted on a plastic socket. The socket is where the wiring that connects the bulb is housed. Over time these sockets get hard, malformed, and brittle due to the heat of the bulbs themselves. This happens more often and even occurs sooner if you use the high intensity aftermarket light bulbs. When the socket gets damaged, it will no longer make good connection to the bulb causing the condition you are describing. The usual repair is to replace the socket. I would have a certified mechanic verify the cause of your taillight going on and off and advise you on an appropriate repair.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Air conditioner not working
Hi. It may be a compressor issue, or it could be an expansion valve that is a stuck open. A stuck open expansion valve would show a higher than normal pressure on the low side when the AC is in...
Gear shifter loose
That’s a tough one to figure out without actually looking at it. There’s a roll pin and a spring to attach the lever to the column. The position of the shifter P,R,D etc, is held in place by a mechanism...
Advice on buying a 4-wheel drive vehicle with minor and major repairs
Minor are the stuff like brakes, water pump leaking, radiator caps with holes in them - stuff that doesn't cost that much to fix and what you can easily do by yourself. But, if the transmission or the engine have...
Cheapest way to reinstall new airbags , driver and passenger ?
First of all, I hope that everyone was safe in the accident. Generally, you should not attempt to install an airbag until the complete system is checked. This is done using special airbag simulators and by checking for codes to...
Car oil needs to be refilled before oil change is due
Hello. If you are losing oil, it is either leaking or being burned. The causes of burning oil would be faulty piston rings that allow the oil to blow by into the combustion chamber or bad valve guide seals that...
Reduce power light is on
What problem codes are set? Most often, these symptoms are the result of a failed throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement). Traditionally, cars will have a throttle cable but your Saturn has a "fly by wire" throttle system. If the engine management...
Hi my car wont start I read it could be the starter or a wiring loose or could be the battery
Without further starter circuit tests to see if the complete circuit is operational and the theft system is not activated. The theft system will not let the starter relay operate if the key is not disabling the PATS system. Have...
Car in park. Rev the engine. Grinding noise with smoke and burnt smell
What you are describing sounds like a faulty starter solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement). A faulty starter solenoid will generally produce a clicking sound when turning the key. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit...
What are other expected problems when the timing belt goes out on a 2003 325i bmw. Other things to look for or replace when that h
Hi Renee. When the timing belt breaks, it can create damage inside the motor, such as with cylinder head components. If the pulley's and the belt are replaced, and the engine starts without a constant ticking noise, then you should...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Kia Forte
While While Toyota and Honda have reigned supreme in the compact sedan and five-door hatchback classes for years, Kia has been rolling out more and more high-quality models with really attractive features than ever before. While Korean cars are traditionally...
How to Buy a Good Quality Ignition Cable (Spark Plug Wires)
Spark Spark plug wires connect the spark plug to what they’re creating a spark in. Whenever you are changing out your spark plugs, it’s a good idea to check on those spark plug wires to be sure they’re up to...
B1992 OBD-II Trouble Code: Driver Side, Side mount Air Bag Circuit Short to Vbatt
B1992 trouble code means means that the voltage from the side mount air bag circuit is higher or lower than the parameters set by the manufacturer.
Browse other content
Maintenance
Services