ive recently ran into some problems with my taillights, first i noticed my taillights are alot dimmer than before, second when i turn my headlights on the taillights dont light up at all (the only thing that does turn on is the license plate light). How do i fix this?
You have a problem somewhere, that's for sure. First off, you say the taillights are dimmer than usual, but then say when you turn on the headlights, the taillights don't come on at all. I'm guessing that you meant the brake lights are dimmer, since the only time your taillights should come one is when the headlights are on. So I'm guessing your tailights never come on at all. Do your dash lights work? Most all cars have the dash (guage lights) lights and taillights on the same circuit so you know from inside the car if the taillights are working or not. If you have neither taillights nor dash lights, check the fuse, if it's blown, you likely have a short somewhere in the taillight wiring loom. It's a very short, very simply circuit with few wires, so start looking for physical damage, like a bare wire rubbing on metal or a broken wire. If you don't spot something obvious, it's time to break out the multi-meter and start checking the continuity of wires. If you don't know how to use a multi-meter, now is a great time to learn, they are great tools for chasing down electric gremlins in vintage Mustangs, and they are very cheap.
ive recently ran into some problems with my taillights, first i noticed my taillights are alot dimmer than before, second when i turn my headlights on the taillights dont light up at all (the only thing that does turn on is the license plate light). How do i fix this?
If the licence plate light works, then the problem is likely in the sockets. (they get the power from the same wire)
The little springs inside get rusty and loose contact. Remove the bulbs and clean the contacts and check the springs. You may have to replace the springs/terminals or the entire socket. Some fabrication and ingenuity may be required.