license plate lights r out
08-09-2009, 11:47 AM
#1
license plate lights r out
I got pulled over by a rookie cop lastnight because my license plate lights r out. The @#$hole gives me a ticket for my radio being to loud 
. Where is the fuse for the license plate lights I think i blew because changed those bulbs 2 months ago.
. Where is the fuse for the license plate lights I think i blew because changed those bulbs 2 months ago.
08-09-2009, 12:52 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 2,898
im not sure off the top of my head.. did you look at your fuse boxes?
08-10-2009, 01:14 PM
#4
Just because the name isn't intuitive, doesn't mean it doesn't control the system you're looking at.
Cop bashing is a
, as is evading the profanity filter. Do all of your parking lights work? If so, the fuse for that circuit is fine. Have you tested for power, or otherwise checked to see if the bulbs are just blown?
08-10-2009, 01:59 PM
#6
08-10-2009, 06:25 PM
#8
changed bulbs twice they wouldnt work, as far as the cop bashing he was a jerk so it is wut it is plus he lied because he didnt hear my radio until he was behind me not all cops r jerks but some r. since im not gonna get any help plz no more responses. thanx for the non help.
08-10-2009, 06:28 PM
#9
changed bulbs twice they wouldnt work, as far as the cop bashing he was a jerk so it is wut it is plus he lied because he didnt hear my radio until he was behind me not all cops r jerks but some r. since im not gonna get any help plz no more responses. thanx for the non help.
Of course you won't get help, if you refuse to help us help you (and act like a douche).
We ask questions, you don't respond. Who's not being helpful?
'No more responses'? If you leave this thread up, people will post (especially since you want people not to). If you really don't want us to help you, then delete the damn thread.
Cliffs: If you want help, then you need to actually answer questions that have been asked of you, not whine about a LEO doing his job.
08-11-2009, 12:08 AM
#10
We don't know both sides of the story here. Everyone has ran into a good cop, and everyone has ran into a bad cop. However keeping the radio up when a cop is right behind you isn't the smartest thing. He was doing his job, give him a break. you already admitted the radio was loud, hence the "he didnt hear it until he was behind me" and if the attitude we're receiving here is the attitude you gave the cop, no wonder he gave you a tick..
Now onto your problem, check all your fuses? assuming the bulbs work fine since you said you changed them. If none of the fuses are blown check the wiring for your lights. I have a short a while ago because one of the wires leading to my brake lights were exposed and kept hitting metal causing a short. Check all of them, possibly somewhere along the lines you something accidental ripped or reveiled a line?
Now onto your problem, check all your fuses? assuming the bulbs work fine since you said you changed them. If none of the fuses are blown check the wiring for your lights. I have a short a while ago because one of the wires leading to my brake lights were exposed and kept hitting metal causing a short. Check all of them, possibly somewhere along the lines you something accidental ripped or reveiled a line?
08-11-2009, 03:45 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Jersey (Near Philly)
Posts: 511
Check fuses 1, 10, and 13. They are all 10A fuses. According to the FSM power is supplied different ways to all the taillights according to whether the ignition switch is Off, On, or on Accessory.
It is all controlled through the Smart Entrance Control Unit and the Tail lamp relay.
Here's the rub though. The same connection powers all the marker lamps and the parking lamps in the headlights. If these are working then I would say the fuses and main connections are probably okay.
That would point to a break in the wire between the fusible link and the license plate lights or a bad ground. Sheets EL-69 and 70 in the FSM show the wiring for the license plate lights.
Good luck.
It is all controlled through the Smart Entrance Control Unit and the Tail lamp relay.
Here's the rub though. The same connection powers all the marker lamps and the parking lamps in the headlights. If these are working then I would say the fuses and main connections are probably okay.
That would point to a break in the wire between the fusible link and the license plate lights or a bad ground. Sheets EL-69 and 70 in the FSM show the wiring for the license plate lights.
Good luck.
08-11-2009, 07:50 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 2,898
But did you actually check any fuses? First step in electrical diagnosis, check ALL of the fuses
Just because the name isn't intuitive, doesn't mean it doesn't control the system you're looking at.
Do all of your parking lights work? If so, the fuse for that circuit is fine. Have you tested for power, or otherwise checked to see if the bulbs are just blown?
Just because the name isn't intuitive, doesn't mean it doesn't control the system you're looking at.
Do all of your parking lights work? If so, the fuse for that circuit is fine. Have you tested for power, or otherwise checked to see if the bulbs are just blown?
sounds like help to me...
08-11-2009, 09:30 AM
#13
Ok this helps a bit, I blew a taillight fuse a couple months back and fixed the problem and replaced the fuse under the hood near the battery. All lights have been fine since except my driver side parking light and license plate light remain out??? Anyone know the fuse# for them?
08-11-2009, 10:04 PM
#15
got pulled over for the same thing. Sure this cop came off as less than nice but it's all how YOU, the driver, are towards the officer. Maybe you were more of a (blank) than the officer really was. God forbid an officer from doing his job. 
I myself respect people of the law. A simple free fountain drink and superb hospitality to officers that I provide at my job keeps the freaks out of my work (that'd be Quiktrip for any that know about it.)
Oh, and I didn't get a ticket.
I myself respect people of the law. A simple free fountain drink and superb hospitality to officers that I provide at my job keeps the freaks out of my work (that'd be Quiktrip for any that know about it.)
Oh, and I didn't get a ticket.
08-12-2009, 06:34 AM
#16
Old Fuddy Duddy
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,712
Courtesy and respect are two dying traits. I read more and more stories about “The Man” putting “people” down. Yet if those people followed the regulations and guidelines there would be no conflict. If one chooses to disregard these rules and regulations why are you allowed to complain about them? It like people that complain about being pulled over for dark tint. You know its illegal, “you” put it on anyway and then complain when you are pulled over? *shrug*
A simple walk around the car would have alleviated the OP’s traffic stop. Takes about 20 seconds to check out all your lights. Pro-active versus Re-active.
A simple walk around the car would have alleviated the OP’s traffic stop. Takes about 20 seconds to check out all your lights. Pro-active versus Re-active.
08-12-2009, 06:53 AM
#17
Conveniently, in the police video, the first six minutes of audio when this took place is missing.
I'm not saying all cops are bad. It's just the general police population in Nashville that I've dealt with has issues with harassing people and being completely disrespectful.
Last edited by Mr. Brett; 08-12-2009 at 06:56 AM.
08-12-2009, 07:31 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Jersey (Near Philly)
Posts: 511
Ok this helps a bit, I blew a taillight fuse a couple months back and fixed the problem and replaced the fuse under the hood near the battery. All lights have been fine since except my driver side parking light and license plate light remain out??? Anyone know the fuse# for them?
More than likely it's a break (or 2 in your case) at the fusible link location.
Or bad grounds.
The pages in the FSM I mention above will help you troubleshoot.
08-12-2009, 07:38 AM
#19
Read my post above. If the markers and any of your front parking lights are working then it's probably not the fuse. But I did list the 3 fuses above to check.
More than likely it's a break (or 2 in your case) at the fusible link location.
Or bad grounds.
The pages in the FSM I mention above will help you troubleshoot.
More than likely it's a break (or 2 in your case) at the fusible link location.
Or bad grounds.
The pages in the FSM I mention above will help you troubleshoot.
08-12-2009, 01:37 PM
#20
Courtesy and respect are two dying traits. I read more and more stories about “The Man” putting “people” down. Yet if those people followed the regulations and guidelines there would be no conflict. If one chooses to disregard these rules and regulations why are you allowed to complain about them? It like people that complain about being pulled over for dark tint. You know its illegal, “you” put it on anyway and then complain when you are pulled over? *shrug*
A simple walk around the car would have alleviated the OP’s traffic stop. Takes about 20 seconds to check out all your lights. Pro-active versus Re-active.
A simple walk around the car would have alleviated the OP’s traffic stop. Takes about 20 seconds to check out all your lights. Pro-active versus Re-active.
08-12-2009, 01:58 PM
#21
WHAT??! You can get a ticket for licence plate lights out??? Ridiculous absolutely crazy!! How is that a requirement when there are lots of cars out there, esspecially older ones that dont even have those lights???
Edit: Is this something where we have different laws in canada than usa?
Edit: Is this something where we have different laws in canada than usa?
08-12-2009, 03:41 PM
#22
WHAT??! You can get a ticket for licence plate lights out??? Ridiculous absolutely crazy!! How is that a requirement when there are lots of cars out there, esspecially older ones that dont even have those lights???
Edit: Is this something where we have different laws in canada than usa?
Edit: Is this something where we have different laws in canada than usa?
Probably. It's moreso a law for the reason that cops want to be able to know you actually have a license on the vehicle and that it isn't being driven around unregistered in the dark. As well as to be able to read the license plate if you got stopped. If the lights were out and you managed to get away, they wouldn't know who you were.
As far as older cars not having them, I've seen a lot of 30's-40's roadsters around Nashville that have aftermarket bulbs mounted in order to keep the license plate lit.
08-12-2009, 04:38 PM
#23
This isn't necessarily true. My friend and I got stopped, and the deputy was completely unprofessional with us. He pulled my friend out of the car and frisked him for no reason. But left me, the driver sitting there. Then threatened to kick our asses several times. And we hadn't done anything to him. We just sat there and kept our mouths shut. I wasn't looking for trouble, but apparently the guy that stopped us was.
Conveniently, in the police video, the first six minutes of audio when this took place is missing.
I'm not saying all cops are bad. It's just the general police population in Nashville that I've dealt with has issues with harassing people and being completely disrespectful.
Conveniently, in the police video, the first six minutes of audio when this took place is missing.
I'm not saying all cops are bad. It's just the general police population in Nashville that I've dealt with has issues with harassing people and being completely disrespectful.
08-13-2009, 11:07 AM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Jersey (Near Philly)
Posts: 511
08-13-2009, 01:01 PM
#27
08-13-2009, 01:05 PM
#28
I dont kno wut the problem was I just tried 2 sets of bulbs and for some reason only certain would work in the license plate, but they worked in my corner lights. I was ridin through westville near deptford.
08-13-2009, 02:15 PM
#29
08-13-2009, 02:37 PM
#30
Haha, but seriously, guys... quit picking on the thread OP, I mean how many of us actually does a walk around our car with all the lights, and signals on, every time we go to the store or every time we go to work or school?
I mean not only is it inconvenient, but you are going to need to bring a buddy along to check your brake lights, and backup lights and all that yaddy yaddah. A cops job is to inform us, then we take that information and fix our problem, I mean if he gave you a ticket for your burned out license plate light right away then it is wrong, in my opinion.
Like one time I had a tail light burned out and I did not know at all, until one day I was pulled over (without a blasting radio) and he just said "do you know one of your tail lights are out?" then I just said "Oh, really? Sorry I had no idea" then he responded "Make sure to get that fixed as soon as possible, have a nice day." And on my way hope I stopped by Schucks and got a few bulbs and changed it. No ticket or fine
And about those license plate lights, I think they are illegal in Washington
I saw a license plate cover with lights in them in a auto store a while back and it said that it was only for off road use.
Last edited by Leo_Koneval; 08-13-2009 at 02:41 PM.
08-13-2009, 09:27 PM
#33
10-08-2009, 05:44 PM
#34
Has anyone found out the cure to this problem? I am having a similar problem, all my lights go on except for the license plate bulbs. I just changed the bulbs, and still doesn't work. Any suggestions?
10-08-2009, 05:48 PM
#35
lol got pulled over for license plate lights being out at Maxus 09 right as I was pulling into the hotel parking lot. He only gave me a warning though thank god. Like the others said, check ALL fuses. Definitely a wiring issue.
Last edited by nismomaxgtr18; 10-08-2009 at 06:48 PM.
10-24-2010, 05:32 PM
#37
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 46
Me too
Finally determined that it was closing/slamming the trunk that was causing them to go off and stay off (the impact force of closing the trunk is opposite in direction to tapping the lights from underneath) so, I realized that something was loose - but what?
(And yes, I forgot to check them every time and yes, a cop pulled me over for not having them on, so I asked to get out and look. The cop said ok, so I got out, walked to the rear, tapped the lights to bring them on again, cursed at the lights - not the cop, and she let it go without even a warning ticket. Two points: be nice guys, it doesn't cost anything and it will increase the probability of your getting off - but no guarantees, and second, you don't have to do a walk-around to check your lights, if every time you catch your reflection in a big store window - front or rear, exercise all your lights to be sure they are all working. Get in the habit and an occasional check will avoid nasty surprises.)
So, now, one of them has gone out and no amount of tapping will bring it back on. What's with that? Whatever's loose is still loose and, apparently, one has burned out. I'll tear it apart today and - hopefully, find out what's wrong. Probably the same thing is wrong with yours. These models have a lot of miles and time on them by now and electo-mechanical junctions are bound to get loose or corroded.
10-25-2010, 12:08 AM
#38
Currently have that problem - looking here for solutions. About 3 months ago I noticed my '01Max's license plate lights were both out. All other lights were working, so I knew it wasn't a fuse or switches because those are ganged up with other lights that were working. But, with the light switch on, tapping them (upward from underneath) brought them back on again (so I knew it wasn't the bulbs). They stayed on for a while, then one went out - tapping it brought it back on.
Finally determined that it was closing/slamming the trunk that was causing them to go off and stay off (the impact force of closing the trunk is opposite in direction to tapping the lights from underneath) so, I realized that something was loose - but what?
(And yes, I forgot to check them every time and yes, a cop pulled me over for not having them on, so I asked to get out and look. The cop said ok, so I got out, walked to the rear, tapped the lights to bring them on again, cursed at the lights - not the cop, and she let it go without even a warning ticket. Two points: be nice guys, it doesn't cost anything and it will increase the probability of your getting off - but no guarantees, and second, you don't have to do a walk-around to check your lights, if every time you catch your reflection in a big store window - front or rear, exercise all your lights to be sure they are all working. Get in the habit and an occasional check will avoid nasty surprises.)
So, now, one of them has gone out and no amount of tapping will bring it back on. What's with that? Whatever's loose is still loose and, apparently, one has burned out. I'll tear it apart today and - hopefully, find out what's wrong. Probably the same thing is wrong with yours. These models have a lot of miles and time on them by now and electo-mechanical junctions are bound to get loose or corroded.
Finally determined that it was closing/slamming the trunk that was causing them to go off and stay off (the impact force of closing the trunk is opposite in direction to tapping the lights from underneath) so, I realized that something was loose - but what?
(And yes, I forgot to check them every time and yes, a cop pulled me over for not having them on, so I asked to get out and look. The cop said ok, so I got out, walked to the rear, tapped the lights to bring them on again, cursed at the lights - not the cop, and she let it go without even a warning ticket. Two points: be nice guys, it doesn't cost anything and it will increase the probability of your getting off - but no guarantees, and second, you don't have to do a walk-around to check your lights, if every time you catch your reflection in a big store window - front or rear, exercise all your lights to be sure they are all working. Get in the habit and an occasional check will avoid nasty surprises.)
So, now, one of them has gone out and no amount of tapping will bring it back on. What's with that? Whatever's loose is still loose and, apparently, one has burned out. I'll tear it apart today and - hopefully, find out what's wrong. Probably the same thing is wrong with yours. These models have a lot of miles and time on them by now and electo-mechanical junctions are bound to get loose or corroded.
10-25-2010, 12:45 PM
#40
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 46
@ luv & cmd --- As I said, that's where I was heading.
And that worked. They're bold on, solid.
But, it was not clear that it was the bulbs from the symptoms I described - tapping brought them back on etc.
And, unfortunately, that doesn't solve sox's problem as he says that he just changed bulbs - so he'll have to check the wiring and harnesses.
TY and good luck.
And that worked. They're bold on, solid.
But, it was not clear that it was the bulbs from the symptoms I described - tapping brought them back on etc.
And, unfortunately, that doesn't solve sox's problem as he says that he just changed bulbs - so he'll have to check the wiring and harnesses.
TY and good luck.