My brake lights and tail lights weren't working. I replaced the tail light switch below the brake pedal.  The brake lights now work but the tail lights still do not. I have checked all the fuses. What is my next course of action?

Sometimes it's just the socket contacts and bulb.   I'd pull them and make sure you have good contact.

You could also try the parking light switch on top of the steering column and see if they work.

What year? 

See if the parking lights work when you turn on the switch on top of the steering column. If they still don't work then we need to check for power getting to that switch.

I have the same problem.  2007 Legacy....  Had it in the shop, and they had to replace the whole assembly (light switch arm and worthless switch on top of steering column), which is in the center of the steering wheel.  It worked great for 4 months and is now out again.  If I have the headlights turned off and the parking brake on, I have tail lights and front marker lights.  As soon as I release the parking brake I lose them all, including license plate light.  I'm wondering if there is a switch associated with the parking brake similar to the brake light switch under the dash.  Can't afford an auto electric shop, and certainly can't afford the dealer labor rates.  already $400 into it and frustrated!!!!!

The parking brake makes a connection to ground when it is used. There is a bad ground for the lights. Try running a jumper wire from the negative side of the battery to a good chassis connection under the dash to see if that helps. Check the battery to chassis ground wire. Clean the contact connections to see if that helps. There is a main ground connection in back of the engine so check it also.

I shall try.  Thanks

Hey, Cougar...

 

As a side note, The only remotely electrical work I have had done was the cigarette lighter in the center console fell apart, and it was under warranty at the time.  So, I had the dealer put it back together.  Is it possible there is a ground wire in there that they left off or loose??

There may be but I think that the main grounds tie to a common point on the back side of the engine, including the dash grounds. I could be wrong though.