First post here, hey everybody! 2013 Fiat 500 pop here. I've skimmed the forum for people with fuse-related break light problems. However, I can't find exactly how to resolve my own issue. Here's my problem and how I've tried to fix it, to no avail:

My tail lights have completely gone out. The left and right break lights are not coming on at all (I've tried it with the break pedal released and pushed)with the exception of a 30second flash of the left break light. The top light on the hatchback works when the break pedal is pushed.

I've replaced the bulbs, and the lights are still out.

The Fiat manual (concurrent with images I've gotten from this site) shows the interior and under-hood fuse boxes. To my confusion, none of the descriptions clearly state break or tail lights. There are descriptions like "stop light switch", "stop light", and "lights". I tried a bunch of different things, but I believe all of these were replaced. All 5 amp fuses. The space between the under-hood fuse box and other parts is too tight to stick a fuse tester in.

Basically, I'm getting very discouraged because I can't narrow down if I'm doing something wrong or if there is an alternative problem, because I am not sure exactly which fuse controls my break lights! :bang:

Any help or comments much appreciated!

The lower stop lights are run via the CANBUS so it could be a body computer problem. On Euro cars the high level is not monitored by the CANBUS, so it should still work in case of body computer failure.

I don't know if the USA cars have the hatch wiring issue that the Euro models do, but that would also be something to check. If the tail light is temporarily illuminating I'd suggest it's unlikely a fuse.

Does the MFD give you any warnings?

Hi, and welcome to FF,
as stated..there is obviously power if the lower light flashes briefly..,

any messages on the Multi Function Display..??

have a flick through this thread related to damaged wiring;http://fiatforum.com/500/423837-maybelline-has-thrown-hissy-fit.html#post4063061

Charlie

I wonder why only one light flashed not both?
Unlikely but a very poor connection would power the Led brake light but not the others?
Anyone, are the brake lights controlled by a relay or solid state-if this then its probably the computer?

Not sure if its the same but have fuse 37 5a stop/brake lights(passenger compartment)
and fuse 24(under bonnet) "Braking system"-whatever that means possibly ABS(control) system, fuse 23 also braking system.

Do the tail/indicator/fog/reversing lights work properly? AND, test with tail, hazard lights, fog light on ALL at once, this is to test to see if there is a earthing issue, in the UK the earth(rear lights) is on the nearside rear according to my book so maybe on your passenger side rear behind the trim panel or in the same as the UK on the left.

If all else fails seek expert auto electrician advice?

Sounds like the dreaded hatch wiring to me.

Thanks for the reply! I get an error "check stop lamps" and also "check fog lamps"

Charlie,

Thanks for the welcome and for the reply. I'm getting a "check runner lamps" message and every other day I see "check fog lamps". I'm unsure of what to do. Like I mentioned, the left tail light does seem to flash upon starting the car. The front lower lamps (runner lamps?) go in and out from day to day.

Any comments appreciated


-Charlie

P.S. cool name

question1337 said:

Charlie,

Thanks for the welcome and for the reply. I'm getting a "check runner lamps" message and every other day I see "check fog lamps". I'm unsure of what to do. Like I mentioned, the left tail light does seem to flash upon starting the car. The front lower lamps (runner lamps?) go in and out from day to day.

Any comments appreciated


-Charlie

P.S. cool name

Click to expand...

have a 5 minute look at the hatch wiring..like mentioned in the thread I linked - "Maybelline",
Charlie

Thanks for this reply.

I've done the test you're talking about , and the result is that no component of my tail lights are working, except the blinkers.

I will review helpful comments such as yours on this forum, in reply to my post, and if all else fails take the car to an auto electrician as you mentioned. Do you have any idea what I can expect to pay for this type of assessment and repair? I just want to know if this is one of the more expensive types of repairs or not. If I take it in to a shop, it will be my nearby certified Fiat mechanic.

question1337 said:

Thanks for this reply.

I've done the test you're talking about , and the result is that no component of my tail lights are working, except the blinkers.

I will review helpful comments such as yours on this forum, in reply to my post, and if all else fails take the car to an auto electrician as you mentioned. Do you have any idea what I can expect to pay for this type of assessment and repair? I just want to know if this is one of the more expensive types of repairs or not. If I take it in to a shop, it will be my nearby certified Fiat mechanic.

Click to expand...

Hi again,

the cables from the vehicles roof to the tailgate / rear door , do not cope well with repeated flexing and become brittle and break,

there is a kit of repair wiring available,
any competent auto electrician can do this repair..should be a LOT cheaper than a FIAT workshop

all details HERE;https://www.fiatforum.com/500/319901-500c-damaged-wires-boot-lid-2.html

Charlie

question1337 said:

Charlie,

Thanks for the welcome and for the reply. I'm getting a "check runner lamps" message and every other day I see "check fog lamps". I'm unsure of what to do. Like I mentioned, the left tail light does seem to flash upon starting the car. The front lower lamps (runner lamps?) go in and out from day to day.

Any comments appreciated


-Charlie

P.S. cool name

Click to expand...

Do the registration plate lights (rear hatch) work?
It seems there are several issues the front "running lights" should not work one day and not the next,
For all the rear light faults combination I would have thought a earthing fault but may not be the case
Does the manual boot release handle work under the silver part on the trunk lid? Or just the remote release?

The hatch wiring fault could be much worse or earlier in failure in climates that have greater temperature swings than here so if your winters are quite cold 20F say then it could be a serious contender for your rear faults

John202020 said:

Do the registration plate lights (rear hatch) work?
It seems there are several issues the front "running lights" should not work one day and not the next,
For all the rear light faults combination I would have thought a earthing fault but may not be the case
Does the manual boot release handle work under the silver part on the trunk lid? Or just the remote release?

Click to expand...

agreed - but the original "Maybelline" thread was reporting ENGINE WARNING errors, and all was caused by dodgy hatch wiring..,

QUOTE - "
There's no point doing anything else until I've sorted the wiring, but hopefuly once that's done, I'll be able to put it on diagnostics, reset the airbag ECU and do a proxi alignment and all will be well."

lets not get too involved in" if's and but's",

OP should get the hatch wiring checked , then go from there,

Charlie

varesecrazy said:

agreed - but the original "Maybelline" thread was reporting ENGINE WARNING errors, and all was caused by dodgy hatch wiring..,

QUOTE - "
There's no point doing anything else until I've sorted the wiring, but hopefuly once that's done, I'll be able to put it on diagnostics, reset the airbag ECU and do a proxi alignment and all will be well."

lets not get too involved in" if's and but's",

OP should get the hatch wiring checked , then go from there,

Charlie

Click to expand...

You can understand why I asked re reg plate lights and boot release and agree re checking the cables.

OP. For the time being I would strongly advise against using the heated rear screen demister.