Troubleshooting Tailgate Light Bar Not Working: Fixes For Brake, Turn & Reverse

Tailgate light bars are a great addition to any truck, providing increased visibility and safety on the road. However, when your tailgate light bar stops working, it can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. In this article, we will discuss common issues that may cause your tailgate light bar to malfunction, including problems with the brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. We will also provide troubleshooting tips and fixes to help you get your tailgate light bar working properly again.

Brake Lights Not Working

One of the most common issues that truck owners face with their tailgate light bar is the brake lights not working. When your brake lights fail to illuminate, it can be dangerous for other drivers on the road, as they may not realize that you are slowing down or stopping. There are several potential reasons why your brake lights may not be working.

One possible cause of this issue is a blown fuse. Check the fuse box in your truck to see if any fuses related to the brake lights are blown. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. Another common reason for brake lights not working is a faulty brake light switch. The brake light switch is located near the brake pedal and is responsible for activating the brake lights when you press the pedal. If the switch is faulty, it will need to be replaced.

Sometimes, the issue may be with the wiring or connections leading to the tailgate light bar. Check for any loose or damaged wires that may be preventing the brake lights from functioning properly. If you find any issues with the wiring, repair or replace the damaged wires as needed. Additionally, make sure that the ground connection for the tailgate light bar is secure and free of corrosion. A poor ground connection can also cause the brake lights to malfunction.

If you have checked the fuse, brake light switch, wiring, and ground connection, and the brake lights still do not work, the issue may be with the tailgate light bar itself. In this case, you may need to replace the light bar with a new one to resolve the problem.

Turn Signals Not Working

Another common issue that truck owners may encounter with their tailgate light bar is the turn signals not working. When your turn signals fail to function, it can make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate your movements on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. There are several potential reasons why your turn signals may not be working.

One possible cause of this issue is a faulty turn signal relay. The turn signal relay is responsible for controlling the timing and operation of the turn signals. If the relay is faulty, the turn signals may not work correctly. To fix this issue, replace the turn signal relay with a new one. Another common reason for turn signals not working is a blown fuse. Check the fuse box in your truck to see if any fuses related to the turn signals are blown. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.

Like with the brake lights, wiring and connections to the tailgate light bar can also cause the turn signals to malfunction. Check for any loose or damaged wires that may be hindering the operation of the turn signals. Repair or replace any damaged wires as needed to restore proper functionality. Additionally, ensure that the ground connection for the tailgate light bar is secure and free of corrosion, as a poor ground connection can affect the performance of the turn signals.

If you have checked the turn signal relay, fuse, wiring, and ground connection, and the turn signals still do not work, the issue may lie with the tailgate light bar itself. In this case, you may need to replace the light bar with a new one to fix the problem.

Reverse Lights Not Working

In addition to issues with the brake lights and turn signals, truck owners may also encounter problems with their tailgate light bar's reverse lights not working. When the reverse lights fail to illuminate, it can make it challenging to see behind the truck when backing up, increasing the risk of accidents. There are several potential causes for the reverse lights not working.

One common reason for this issue is a blown fuse. Check the fuse box in your truck to see if any fuses related to the reverse lights are blown. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. Another possible cause of reverse lights not working is a faulty reverse light switch. The reverse light switch is typically located on the transmission and is responsible for activating the reverse lights when you shift into reverse gear. If the switch is faulty, it will need to be replaced.

Like with the brake lights and turn signals, wiring and connections to the tailgate light bar can also cause the reverse lights to malfunction. Check for any loose or damaged wires that may be preventing the reverse lights from functioning properly. Repair or replace any damaged wires as needed to restore proper functionality. Ensure that the ground connection for the tailgate light bar is secure and free of corrosion, as a poor ground connection can affect the performance of the reverse lights.

If you have checked the fuse, reverse light switch, wiring, and ground connection, and the reverse lights still do not work, the issue may be with the tailgate light bar itself. In this case, you may need to replace the light bar with a new one to resolve the problem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a malfunctioning tailgate light bar can pose a safety hazard on the road. When your brake lights, turn signals, or reverse lights stop working, it is essential to quickly identify and address the underlying issue to ensure your truck remains visible and safe for other drivers. By following the troubleshooting tips and fixes outlined in this article, you can effectively diagnose and repair common problems with your tailgate light bar. Remember to check the fuse, switches, wiring, and connections to the light bar to pinpoint the issue and implement the necessary repairs. If all else fails, consider replacing the tailgate light bar with a new one to restore proper functionality and maintain safety on the road.