Running lights won't turn on with headlights but brake lights work
The rear running lights fail to turn on with the headlights, even though the brake, hazard, and license plate lights still function normally. Changing the fuse does not resolve the issue. This forces you to drive at night with your hazards on to avoid a trip to the mechanic.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Driving with hazard lights on at nightDid this help you?
- 2Checking for burned out dual-filament bulbsDid this help you?
- 3Replacing the fuse to see if it restores the connectionDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Ok sooooo, when I have my headlights on my running lights won’t kick on.”source ↗
“Light above my plate works, hazards works, when I brake they come on.”source ↗
“I’m having to drive with my hazards on at night😵💫 I’m doing my best not to have to go to a mechanic.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 6Why is my car showing random dashboard warning lights?
- 5Headlights turning completely off when switching beams
- 6Why do car turn signals only work sometimes?
- 3Why won't lights work after changing parts or wiring?
- 4High beams don't work even though fuses, relays, and bulbs are fine
- 2Dashboard lights and ABS lights flashing when using turn signal