I'm 1500 miles from home, traveling in the '91 loyale and the taillights quit working. I stopped for gas, after starting the car the dash lights did not come on, I also noticed that the left headlight was very dim. I checked all the fuses but could not find a problem with any of them. Later that night I got pulled over by a cop who notified me that my taillights where out also. I checked the lights the following morning and all was working properly. But come nightfall all the same symptoms came back. I started experimenting and I think it has to do with the auto headlight shutoff feature of the car. I was able to drive with the parking lights on which got the taillights to work.

Is there a relay that could be faulty????

What are your thoughts?

I need to safely get back home so your input is greatly appreciated.

 

Klaus

Night time? Did you have the heater and wipers going by any chance? How's battery/alternator?

 

No relay for the tail lights but seperate relays for the headlights. Sounds like maybe the headlight switch is going out. Are you near any of the other board members? Maybe you can find a junk yard on Friday. Try the switch and see if that helps.

Switch seems ok. Do you think the left headlight relay is connected to the taillights and the instrument panel? And also with the auto shutoff feature?

 

I'm in San Francisco, I will be here until Sunday.

 

Klaus

I second Qmans Light switch guess......

 

But if your Certain its Good, Look at bottom corners of Windshield For water weeping......if you got water inside on a ground somewhere it could be giving you grief.....Also check grounds under the hood......at Battery to body, at Battery to motor, at transmission to firewall,

 

Are you running all lights during the day as well.....?

 

try to run same equipment during the day as you were at nite and see if you get same issue....

 

Also time it...... If it's going off after a bit of time, I'd relate it to a relay going bad somewhere...?

 

See if heat makes a difference...? Heater on, or off...? all these will help pinpoint the issue....

 

Hope this helps, John in Oregon.....

It seems to do the light thing at random, but when it does it it does not go away. It also seems to come most frequently when I use the auto shutoff feature. The first time it did it was in Phoenix, AZ, therefore I know it's not water related. But it may be ground related, and I'm agreeing with qman and John, It may be switch related. I will mess with it some more tomorrow.

 

Thanks,

Klaus