Rear tail lights not working - SOLVED!

7490 Views 19 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Jim Schmeits, Aug 2, 2019

15SubForester

Discussion Starter · Jul 14, 2019

2

Hi All,

I don't think my tail lights are working correctly anymore. Both sides (Red Tops) lights went out on me at the same time (I've changed the top bulbs with LEDs afterward).

The tail lights to me are divided (because I don't know their technical names) in three parts: Top-Red (TR), Middle-Clear, and Bottom-Red (BR).
I believe both the TR lights and BR lights should be ON while the evening driving (driving lights) are ACTIVE. - it works that way on a '15 XT.
Neither of my TR lights comes ON anymore after they went out (both sides' TR stay OFF while driving in the evening) and I replaced them. Only the BR Lights come ON - (See Pic01 - Sorry for the bad quality)
The TR lights do turn brighter when the brakes are ON/Pressed. - This part works (see Pic2 - Sorry for the bad quality).

I have gone twice to the Subaru shop (once with a video of an '15 XT), and both time (the same Service Rep) have told me that "...its normal, ONLY the BR lights comes ON". - the last visit the Service Rep even said "I put it next to another '15 and checked...".

If someone could please help me find a online video on how the '15 2.5i's tail lights should work, I would really appreciate it. A personal video with the VIN would be better to correct Me, or the Subaru Service Rep, but I don't what to cause any privacy concerns. I will be more than grateful if someone can find an online video for me. I have exhausted my google mojo and don't even know what terms to search anymore. My usual results are "How to replace the tail light bulbs...", etc

Thanks in advance to you all.

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Kevin

· #2 · Jul 14, 2019

Maybe the XT's lights were modified? What you're showing in the pics would be normal over here but may be different in your location.

2.5x_sleeper

· #3 · Jul 14, 2019

@15SubForester if I read correctly, you replaced the upper bulbs... I'm assuming those were incandescent bulbs, with LED replacements bulbs. Have you tried replacing those LED bulbs with the factory/OEM replacement bulbs to see it it makes a difference?

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]

15SubForester

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 15, 2019

Thanks @2.5x_sleeper. I was thinking about that, but the "how likely would it be for both side to go at the same time?" has being my excuse so far. I will definitely go and get some OEM bulbs (or similar) and test.

15SubForester

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 15, 2019

Thanks for your reply @Kevin. So in your location only the BR comes on during regular evening driving? interesting. Thanks again.

sleepstate

· #6 · Jul 15, 2019

You have to make sure the LED bulbs you put in there are 2-stage bulbs, so they do dim and bright.
Otherwise you get exactly what you've shown.

jzmtl

· #7 · Jul 15, 2019

If you replaced the upper ones with LED that could very well be why. Not only the LED needs to be 2 stage brightness, they MUST be pinned for CK socket, or you will blow the fuse the moment you step on brake.

On CK socket (what we have) one of the hot and ground is swapped, not a problem for incandescent since they are not +/- sensitive, and two filaments have separate ground. LED are +/- sensitive and share ground between two brightness, which directly short out the brake circuit if a regular pinned one is used.

glocksnotcrocs

· #8 · Jul 16, 2019

I believe I got a recall for the tailight ('16 XT) I'll dig it up and post it.

Steel City Subi

· #9 · Jul 16, 2019

Think the recall is a different issue. It’s for the brake switch which can malfunction resulting in no brake lights.

15SubForester

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jul 17, 2019

Thanks @sleepstate, I will check again, but I just went to a auto parts stores and let them match my OEM bulbs with the LED version. thanks agian.

15SubForester

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 17, 2019

Thanks @jzmtl, as suggested by @2.5x_sleeper, I will get some new OEM incandescents bulbs and check to see if the fuse is still good. Do you know if the Top-Red share the same fuse (or which fuse # I should check) as the whole tail light?

Thanks again.

15SubForester

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 17, 2019

Hi @glocksnotcrocs, @Steel City Subi is right, the recall is for a totally different issue. The brake lights would not come on at ALL if the switch failed. btw, i had that recall done on my second visit (when the Serv Rep told me he put my forester next to another one).

aggie113

· #13 · Jul 17, 2019

This thread is hilarious for all the wrong reasons.

jzmtl

· #14 · Jul 18, 2019

15SubForester said:
Thanks @jzmtl, as suggested by @2.5x_sleeper, I will get some new OEM incandescents bulbs and check to see if the fuse is still good. Do you know if the Top-Red share the same fuse (or which fuse # I should check) as the whole tail light?

Thanks again.

The marker half of top bulb share the tail light circuit (#14 by your left knee) with bottom bulb, and brake half share the brake light circuit (#8) with center brake light. Both should be fine from your photos, it's just the LED you put in isn't designed properly.

Makingforestergreatagain

· #15 · Jul 18, 2019

If you put new incandescents back in, and turn on the headlights,fully, do they work?

I see too many cars driving on their drl's- at night-not realizing they have no taillights .

15SubForester

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jul 18, 2019

aggie113 said:
This thread is hilarious for all the wrong reasons.

Yes, I know... *sigh

15SubForester

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jul 18, 2019

So, final update. As @2.5x_sleeper and @Makingforestergreatagain suggested. I got off my lazy *** and replaced the LED with OEM bulbs.

It's fixed. Rear driving lights are working as I thought they should be (and not as the Service Rep said was normal).

Apologies for wasting everyones time with my laziness and idiocracy. I should have just gotten OEM bulbs to begin with. *sigh.

I did test the LED for ***** and giggles while i had the tail light out. I flipped the LED 180 (switched the fillaments) and the DRL worked, but the brake lights segment did not (on both LED). So, I guess the LED were dual, but something is causing the second fillament to not light up, but don't care anymore.

Anyways thanks to all and sorry to have wasted your time.

TLDR; Both sides' upper tail-light's bulbs (breaking bulbs) burned at the same time. Decided to go LED. Tail-lights DRL have not worked since (break lights ok). Too lazy to get OEM bulb to test. Wasted a lot of good internet people's time.

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2.5x_sleeper

· #18 · Jul 18, 2019

@15SubForester thank you for updating your thread with the solution! I'll add "SOLVED!" to your thread title.

Never a waste of time, as it could help the next member with the same issue.

If you decide to try another dual mode LED brand & they work, add to this thread!

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]

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Makingforestergreatagain

· #19 · Jul 18, 2019

I swapped in Diode dynamics bulbs in my tails just after I drove off the dealer lot and had no issues,fwiw.

Jim Schmeits

· #20 · Aug 2, 2019

@15SubForester definitely not a waste of time. I just had the same issue and same thoughts as you. After reading this thread I had the issue fixed in 30 minutes. So thanks!

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