As a Jeep Wrangler enthusiast, you may have encountered some issues with your tail lights. Whether it’s a faulty wiring or a burnt out bulb, fixing it can be a bit challenging. This journal article will guide you on how to diagnose and fix tail light problems on a 2013 Jeep Wrangler.
What You Need to Know
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler has a unique tail light system that employs multiple bulbs and sockets. This system is designed to enhance visibility while maintaining the vehicle’s rugged look. The tail light assembly comprises the following components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Tail Light Housing | The plastic housing that holds the tail light bulbs and sockets. |
| Tail Light Lens | The transparent cover that protects the tail light bulbs and allows light to pass through. |
| Tail Light Bulbs | The light bulbs that produce the necessary illumination. |
| Tail Light Sockets | The components that hold and connect the tail light bulbs to the wiring harness. |
| Wiring Harness | The collection of wires that connects the tail lights to the vehicle’s electrical system. |
Understanding these components is crucial when diagnosing tail light issues as the problem could be caused by any of these parts.
Diagnosing Tail Light Problems
Before you can fix any issues with your tail lights, you need to diagnose the problem. Some common tail light problems include:
- One or both tail lights not working
- Flickering or dim tail lights
- Tail lights not turning off
- Blown fuse
- Burnt out bulb
Once you’ve identified the problem, you can proceed with fixing it.
One or Both Tail Lights Not Working
If both tail lights aren’t working, the problem could be caused by a blown fuse or a faulty wiring harness. To check if it’s a fuse issue:
- Locate the fuse box under the hood
- Remove the cover and locate the tail light fuse
- If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage
- If the fuse is intact, use a multimeter to test the wiring harness for continuity
If the wiring harness is faulty, you may need to replace it with a new one or have it repaired by a professional auto electrician.
Flickering or Dim Tail Lights
Flickering or dim tail lights could be caused by a loose or corroded connection in the wiring harness. To fix this:
- Locate the wiring harness connection behind the tail light assembly
- Disconnect the harness and inspect it for any signs of corrosion or damage
- Clean the connections with a wire brush or sandpaper
- Reconnect the harness and test the lights
If the problem persists, you may need to replace the wiring harness or have it repaired by a professional auto electrician.
Tail Lights Not Turning Off
If the tail lights don’t turn off even when the vehicle is turned off, the problem could be caused by a faulty switch. To fix this:
- Locate the light switch on the dashboard
- Check if it’s in the off position
- If it is, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity
- If the switch is faulty, replace it with a new one
If the switch is functioning correctly, the problem could be caused by a wiring issue. In this case, you may need to replace the wiring harness or have it repaired by a professional auto electrician.
Blown Fuse
If the tail lights aren’t working, it could be caused by a blown fuse. To fix this:
- Locate the fuse box under the hood
- Remove the cover and locate the tail light fuse
- If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage
- Test the lights to see if they work
If the problem persists, you may need to check the wiring harness for any faults or have it repaired by a professional auto electrician.
Burnt Out Bulb
If only one tail light isn’t working, it could be caused by a burnt out bulb. To fix this:
- Locate the tail light that isn’t working
- Remove the tail light housing by unscrewing the screws or using a pry tool
- Locate the socket that holds the burnt out bulb
- Twist the socket counterclockwise to remove it
- Remove the burnt out bulb from the socket and replace it with a new one
- Reinstall the socket and the tail light housing
Conclusion
Diagnosing and fixing tail light problems on a 2013 Jeep Wrangler requires some basic knowledge and skills. By understanding the tail light system and following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily identify and fix any issues. However, if the problem persists, it’s always advisable to seek the services of a professional auto electrician.
FAQs
How do I replace a tail light bulb on a 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
To replace a tail light bulb on a 2013 Jeep Wrangler:
- Locate the tail light housing
- Remove it by unscrewing the screws or using a pry tool
- Locate the socket that holds the burnt out bulb
- Twist the socket counterclockwise to remove it
- Remove the burnt out bulb from the socket and replace it with a new one
- Reinstall the socket and the tail light housing
Why are my tail lights flickering?
Your tail lights may be flickering due to a loose or corroded connection in the wiring harness. To fix this, inspect the harness for any signs of corrosion or damage and clean the connections with a wire brush or sandpaper.
What should I do if my tail lights won’t turn off?
If your tail lights won’t turn off, the problem could be caused by a faulty switch or a wiring issue. Check the switch for any faults and if it’s functioning correctly, inspect the wiring harness for any faults or have it repaired by a professional auto electrician.
