Tail light issue PLEASE HELP

[1981Camaroz28Bayarea]

Hello all, My new 1981 Camaro z28 has headlights opperating, but no rear lights on at all, no brake lights. What is the typical issue after checking bulbs obviously on this car? Wiring? Switch? Relay? Circuit? Have you all seen this before, based on google sesrch seems to be an ongoing issie for these cars… ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED. What should my plan of action be, i need to get this done today! Thank you

 

[cadillac_al]

You could check the fuse for the tail light. Does the instrument panel lights come on? They are usually paired with the tail lights. Brake lights are usually a different circuit. If they are all out I would look for and inspect the plug for the tail light harness.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

Look for a black wire (ground) in the trunk.

I believe it should be connected to the lower tail panel on the driver's side.

All of the rear lights ground through the same place so a bad ground would prevent all of them from working.

 

[1981Camaroz28Bayarea]

You could check the fuse for the tail light. Does the instrument panel lights come on? They are usually paired with the tail lights. Brake lights are usually a different circuit. If they are all out I would look for and inspect the plug for the tail light harness.

Instrument doesnt come on, note brake, tail lights!

 

[tom3]

Turn signals work?

 

[rocket dawg]

Under the drivers side "kick plate" are where the wires run to the rear. It sounds like a ground problem though. A body ground in the engine compartment is a good place to look also.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

If you've checked the black wire in the trunk area... It's time to start testing fuses and circuits.

Get a probe style circuit tester and a variety pack of blade fuses from your local auto parts place.

Turn the key to the "Run" position.
Turn the headlights on. (Rotate knob fully counterclockwise and the dome light should be on.)
Ground the tester clip to a metal part of the dash and poke both ends of every fuse in the fuse block.

Any fuse that doesn't light the probe on both ends of the fuse is a blown fuse.

Once you've determined your fuses are good... You can use the probe to test individual circuits in the trunk area.

 

[1981Camaroz28Bayarea]

Anyone know which one is the brake lights? Fuse

 

[COPO]

Just check them all. If you don’t have a probe then remove the fuse and with a multimeter, set to continuity. If it beeps then the fuse is good. Test beep by touching the red and black wires together on the meter. If you don’t have neither then go buy a testing device.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

First thing I notice... You're missing the Hazard flasher.

You're also missing the Courtesy/Clock fuse.

A few of them are the wrong amperage also.

Here’s a map of your fuse block.