1990 Toyota Camry No Tail lights but have side marker ...

First, what you need to do is pull all bulbs out the rear. Put back one taillight bulb at a time, to see if a fuse blows with correct bulbs. you should have to different bulbs like 1156 and 1157. one light will have 2 prongs on the bulb and the other will have one. replace one at a until fuse pops again, that wil you show you where the shortcircuit is or what is causing you to ground. Make sure you have the right bulb inthe right socket. If I can assist you anymore let me know. If this has helped please click the accept button. Thanks,Al

Al,

If side, front and tail lamps are on the same circuit and only the tail lights are out, then are you suggesting a short (complete break) occurred in or around a base of a tail light(s) as the balance of the 15 amp circuit is energized?

The after market wiring diagram I consulted depicts power for the tail lights coming off the Light Failure Sensor.

P farmer

First don't worry about the diagram right now, or the sensor. what we are concerned with at this point is
1- with the correct size fuse in the taillight circuit, my main concern is if were receiving a 12 volt negative ground to the taillight sockets.
If so, then the taillights with the corrct bulbs should work the taillights, unless there is a short or a ground in the taillight circuit.

things to consider; faulty sockets, or wires that have gotten hot and melted in wire circuit to create a short,these can also cause fuses to blow and turn on taillight sensor


please stay with me on this one I will guide you through
Do you have a 12 volt test light or a ohm-meter?
that will check DC current?

please click on the accept button thanks, al

Yes, I have a multimeter.

do you understand what I am saying to you? I'm trying to help you the all I can. It is good that you have the multi-meter but a 12volt testlight would work better at this point, but either will do.

Al,

Bet my next step is to measure 12vdc at each positive terminal of each socket and look for signs of any excessive heat that may have led to grounding or shorting out a wire?

My problems w/the 15 amp fuse blowing was on a damp drizzle type day.

Roger

Now probably check voltages at each base socket and if less 12 volts or no voltage at all I most probably have a break in the supply line.

Am I back on track?

exactly that right check each terminal, what do you have right now at this point? That could occur on that type of day,but we need to fix your problem. make sure that inchecking 12 v power supply to the lights, that you should also reverse the leads to make sure that each socket is receiving a good body ground

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do we have power at the taillight sockets?

I need to check ea bulb for starters. I did not check to see if I had continunity in the bulb filamints or not, dah.

Assumed that portion of the circuit was dead as all tail lamps were out but I did not verify w/my meter.

Will attempt to test bulbs, sockets and look for obvious signs of heat this evening.

sounds good, let me know how it goes thanks,Al

Not 100 % certain if I have any "juice" coming into the base sockets.

Should be able to test and evaluate this evening after taking care of the cows and get back with you tomorrow if that is OK?

wilco

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Relist: I still need help.
1990 Toyota Camry - No Tail Lights.

But the same 15 amp circuit powers the side marker and front parking lights.

Previously this circuit blew several fuses. Oddly I increased amperage to 20, only as a test, and have power to the above lights less tail lamps.

Have tested w/multi-meter filaments in all lamps and have checked sockets and wiring in vicinity of same for corrosion or signs of over heating and nothing out of the ordinary.

Wiring harness looks ok from tailight assembly to where it eneters a plastic loom near trunck hinge.

Could the cuprit be the rear light failure sensor?