Tail running lights not working, but break, turn signals, reverse lights work fine. Bulbs changed.

Hi Taco World,

Strange problem with running tail lights not working on my 3rd gen Tacoma. Break lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work fine and I replaced the dual filament break light bulbs. However the running tail lights still don't come on with the headlights.

Not sure if it's related but I did tap into the 12v power supply wires going to the trailer hitch to charge an auxiliary battery that I keep in the bed to run my inverter.

Thanks in advance!

 

if you didnt already try taking the tap out see what happens

 

Update: The 7.5amp "tail" fuse in the fuse box under the steering wheel is blowing as soon as the lights are turned on so I am pulling apart connectors under the back of the truck looking for burned out pins.

Next I'll try taking the tap out and seeing if the fuse still blows.

Thanks tacofish.

 

Start there. Always check the last thing touched first.

 

This problem has been isolated to corrosion in the wiring harness in the rear bumper (part 82169 in photo below). I've ordered a replacement but I'm struggling to undo the connectors to the license plate lights and blind-spot monitors. Any advice?

 

Most of those connections have either tabs you can squeeze or possibly need a small flathead to wedge in where you squeeze it and pry it apart while pressing on the tab.