Was driving on the highway tonight and the person behind me was high beaming me like a mad man, which I found strange because of the cars auto lights. Found out that the taillights are completely out, but turn signals, hazards, brake lights and reverse still works. But the physical lights that illuminate during the night time are completely out. Does anyone have any idea as to what my problem might be. I have found other forums on similar problems but i don't think the rest of the lights worked for them when this problem occurred.

 

Are your front parking lights out as well?

 

Like the orange ones in the front? Yes both top and bottom are out as well.

 

You got a bad fuse then. There should be a fuse marked tail, or something along those lines. You may have a short that caused the fuse to blow, but checking the fuse is the first thing I'd do.

 

Are the license plate lights out as well?

Being in Canada, you have the DRL system, yes? As you can see from the diagram below, the DRL relay is what triggers the parking lights, tail lights, etc.


More than likely the relay will be the issue but you would have to test accordingly and go from there.

Do you have a multimeter/ know how to test relays and electric circuits?

If you have not already, pull sections EXL (Exterior Lighting) and PG (Power & Ground) for your car/ year from NicoClub/ FSM. It will show you what connector is for the relay (E13) and how to test the circuits.

 

Correct it is a Canadian car with DRL, I don’t have a multimeter nor the knowledge of testing relays. But I’m sure a quick trip to CT and a visit to youtube will help. I’ll take a look at the fuse and test the relay tomorrow and get back to you both. Thanks for the help!

 

Ended up being the 10A fuse on the bottom right of the IPDM for the DRL's. Grabbed the spare from the footwell and its all working now. Strange how I have no aftermarket electronics and it popped. Hopeful its just a one off thing and it wont happen again.