Tail lights inoperable
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Tail lights inoperable
Just can’t seem to figure out why my c3 tail lights won’t work. Everything else does. Headlights, brake lights, blinkers, reverse lights but not tails. I have replaced the headlight switch twice and the switch is not giving power to the tail light stub when turned on. When I apply direct current to the tail wires they light up so I know they do work. Fuses are good. For some reason they just aren’t getting power. I have an original wiring diagram but it is not much help in this situation. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 1,174
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Tail lights inoperable
Not knowing the year C3 your working on,,,,
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More info could help here,,,,
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More info could help here,,,,
Last edited by 60 SHARK; Feb 26, 2024 at 09:32 PM. Reason: Un nessary
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,229
Likes: 7,825
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
More info is helpful.
Also, when you pull your light switch to the first click. Do the front running lights come on?
Also, when you pull your light switch to the first click. Do the front running lights come on?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
The only thing that is getting power on the switch itself are the headlights when the switch is turned on in either position. Used a test light directly to the switch terminals. It is a 1978 silver edition. And when I energize the wires to the taillights they do light up. It is definitely a power issue.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,229
Likes: 7,825
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Power for tail lights and front running lights goes through the tail light fuse first. Then from the tail light fuse to the headlight switch. When headlight switch is pulled then power out the brown wire for running and tail lights. So, power from main distribution block under power brake booster to fuse panel, this is a thick Red wire. Power through tail light fuse. Do you have power at tail light fuse? Should be hot all the time. Power through the fuse, orange wire to headlight switch do you have power on the orange wire? Should be hot all the time. Then through the headlight switch. Power out on the brown wire, hot only when switch is pulled 1/2 way or all the way. Do you have power on the brown wire?
this is the way to test. Yes the original wiring schematic shows this.
this is the way to test. Yes the original wiring schematic shows this.
