Tail light out

[m2102]

Been a while since I’ve been on asking a question but I do look at some of the posts. My question is, when I start my 2017 ram big horn the “taillight out on rear of truck” comes on but the light isn’t out. I’ve stood in back while wife starts the truck with foot on the brake but the light isn’t on. It goes off in the dash display after a few seconds. Has anyone else have this happen and what did you do to correct it?

 

[G-Ride990]

Did you happen to check the 3rd brake light for proper function? That light being out will appear as a tail light out message too.

 

[m2102]

I never even thought of that light. I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks for the heads up.

 

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

I never even thought of that light. I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks for the heads up.

The third (high mount) brake light assembly uses two bulbs - if one is out the illuminated bulb will appear off-center.

 

[mands0807]

Been a while since I’ve been on asking a question but I do look at some of the posts. My question is, when I start my 2017 ram big horn the “taillight out on rear of truck” comes on but the light isn’t out. I’ve stood in back while wife starts the truck with foot on the brake but the light isn’t on. It goes off in the dash display after a few seconds. Has anyone else have this happen and what did you do to correct it?

You said the warning message goes away after a few seconds? If you have OEM LED tail lights, you could have one single LED on the way out. Just one LED will give you the message, and if the light is only flickering for a few seconds on startup, that could be the issue.

 

[m2102]

Thanks for the responses.

 

[ExpressRules]

The left rear tail light out on my 14 would come on because a few of the LED bulbs were out, but you couldn't tell by looking at it. It was like that for the last three years I owned it. Since a new tail light was over $200 I decided no way I was going pay that that since the notification coming on at start didn't bother me.

 

[RonABQ]

Same issue on my 2015 Laramie with right rear taillight. Mine had 3 LEDs out every now & then. I removed the taillight assembly and reseated the connector. It’s worked fine the last 3 months no errors. If it comes back I’ll spray it with electrical cleaner

 

[Jacob Maguire]

As others have stated, a single diode on LED tails will throw this error. Due to the same, I'm currently running Amazon "OEM-LED" knock-offs and they have been great for almost a year-ish.

Amazon.com