So I drive a mustang but blew the tranny out..i found a88 240 wagon for 250 bucks and I just got the car.It runs great and is in descent shape, butI was pulled over the other night and found out that I dont have almost any lights in the back.. My third brake light is out, no brake lights work only the running lights on the driver side...

I checked my bulbs and fuses, those seem to be in order. Also there was a ground wire that was rusted a little coming of the circuit bored of the tail light that I regrounded. Lastly the driver side has a new tail light, so i am thinking there may have been problems with them before.

if anyone can help me in finding out what could be wrong that would be great. I would love to be able to fix this myself, but i dont really know hwere to start because the tail lights are different than ive seen before.

thanks a lot,

Michael

 

The best way to start is to remove the entire taillight assembly on both sides. They're held in by two nuts on each side, very easy to get at (you'll have to remove the spare tire on the left side and pull off the carpeted trim on the right side. When you pull the light assemblies off, check each wire, including the ground wires, to make sure they're tight. I'd recommend pulling each wire and putting a dab of de-ox gel on each one. Then check the twist-on bulb housing and bend any loose connectors so they make good contact. Then replace every bulb.

Do the same for the center light. The cover just pops off.

Good luck.

 

The third brake lamp, license plate lamp, rear window defrost, wiper and electric tailgate lock run through both of the wiring harnesses in the gate hinges. Your main brake/running/signal lamps should be reviewed as per obaloney's post.