My back Tail Light doesn't go on.

Asked by Guru6BJ92 Mar 18, 2020 at 09:23 AM about the 2005 Buick LeSabre Custom Sedan FWD

Question type: General

I have a 2005 Buick LeSabre. My back passenger side tail light doesn't work but the directional does. Its the same bulb any suggestions on why this is happening.
Thank you,
Jeff

1 Answer

715

I will have to take your word for it that they are both in the same bulb. That used to be very common but not as much any more. When bulbs used to be responsible for both the running/tail/parking light and the brake/turn/flasher light they were specially made with 2 filaments in them. One filament was for the brighter light (brake/turn/flasher) and the other filament was dimmer (for the running/tail/parking light). It is absolutely possible that only the dimmer filament for the running/tail/parking light burned out. If you pull the bulb out and look at it you can probably see both filaments and note that one is noticeably thicker than the other (that is the bright one). Sometimes when the filament burns out it is obviously broken loose and rolling around inside the bulb. Sometimes it still looks good and even works sometimes because there is only a small break that sometimes still makes contact. There will be a number on the bulb so you can get a replacement at any autopartsplace or even wallyworld. Maybe a 3057 if memory serves me. Shoud cost less than 5 bucks. But could simple be a bad contact or wire and the bulb is fine. You would need an electrical tester to check that out.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    4,040
  • #2
    txbarney
    Reputation
    3,170
  • #3
    joes098
    Reputation
    2,700
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Buick Regal
28 listings starting at $6,995
Used Buick LaCrosse
28 listings starting at $7,495
Used Buick Lucerne
7 listings starting at $7,912
Used Ford Crown Victoria
3 listings starting at $8,960
Used Honda Accord
47 Great Deals out of 963 listings starting at $2,995
Used Buick Century
2 listings
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 1,143 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Civic
198 Great Deals out of 4,044 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Avalon
40 listings starting at $6,995
Used Lexus LS
30 listings starting at $5,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
201 Great Deals out of 7,977 listings starting at $3,000
Used Chevrolet Impala
8 Great Deals out of 133 listings starting at $3,495

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.