Tail lights

[RTG_RACING]

OK I cant get my tail lights or brake lights to work. I have power to the socket. I also have power to the BL side when the brakes are pushed. But no light. If I connect a test light to the frame and touch the metal light housing it lights up. How are the lights grounded? I think that is where my problem is.

[Tim P.]

The housing is what is grounded to the frame opening with the two big screws and there should be a eyelet screw somewhere on the back of the opening to the box area that is the ground coming off the wire harness. There might be a screw for ground underneath running between the two taillights near the middle area on the support brace the the bed bolts on to.

[fordman]

i thought there was also a wire behind the taillight housing themselves that grounded to the bed. but i cant remember that for sure.

[RTG_RACING]

I looked for that and couldn't find anything. My bed is just sitting on the frame at this point and that maybe what the problem is.

[fordman]

if you have power to the socket it could be the lead inside the socket that isnt making good contact with the bulb alos. ii have seen that happen on my truck before. but it also could be a bad ground.

[carnuck]

As my Aircraft Technical Systems instructor often told us "Power is fleeting, but ground is permanent!" For DC electrical to work you ALWAYS have to have 2 things. Power coming in and ground going out. It won't work with either missinG!