Tail Lights not working?

2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
98,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
LTBOSS200
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Every other light on the vehicle works properly with the exception of the tail lights. Please help before my teen gets a ticket! Checked all fuses, replaced bulbs. Brake lights work.
Mar 4, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
IMPALASS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello –

To better assist you please tell me if your model is a GLS, GLS 4Motion, GLX, GLX 4Motion, or W8 4Motion. Also the engine size in liter.

So if I understand you correctly………you replaced your brake light bulbs with a double filimetn bulb and when you turn the lights on all of the lights, side markers too come on but not the tail lights. When you press on the brake, the brake lights work.
Mar 4, 2009 at 9:19 PM
Avatar
JAMES W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 2,394 POSTS
First question, do you have any kind of after market trailer connector spliced in on the rear of the car? This is the most common cause of rear light failure. If no, are the fuses good?
it should be a 5amp, #23 in the block under the dash. If yes, then check output from the light switch itself. From the switch to the fuse block should be a green wire with a red tracer. From the fuseblock to the tail lights should be a gray wire with a black tracer. Hope this helps. We don't to get your daughter a ticket.
Mar 4, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CRUISECASSIDY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi. I'm in the same situation,
Tail Lights, Side Markers and License Plate lights don't work, the rest do. Fuses are good. Should I check the Knob connection itself?
Jun 9, 2016 at 2:12 PM
Avatar
DANIEL SMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am having this same problem. There is a trailer connector spliced in, but it was there before I bought the car and this problem just started. I am also having a problem with the fuses from the windows, door, and lift gate locks blowing as soon as replaced.
Jul 5, 2022 at 10:46 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
If you don't use the trailer light connector, I would follow it and remove and repair the wiring as needed. These cars have a problem with the drivers door module getting wet, or damaged due to many door closes. I would unplug the DDM and see if the fuses blow, here is the location. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
Jul 5, 2022 at 11:39 AM