1999 Saturn SL Logo
Posted on Sep 03, 2008
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Tail lights / Brake lights

I have a 1999 Saturn SL1 standard. My tail lights stopped working when i turn the head lights on, and the brake lights dont work, the bulb is fine, and all the other lights work fine (exept the dashboard, but that might be a separate issue). I checked the fuses under the hood and on the passenger side of the car, they all seem fine but none are labled as the tail lights. Is there another fuse box? What should i do?

  • 3 more comments 
  • Anonymous Dec 21, 2008

    No tail lights and no dash lights

  • Julesleft Dec 24, 2008

    I have a similar issue. 1995 Saturn, Brake lights work fine with headlights on or off. When I turn on the headlights the daskboard lights and the back lights do not work. I did see that a 10amp fuse under the hood has been 'tripped' and everytime I try to replace it 'trips'. I assuming there is a 'short' somewhere. Is there an easy way to find this 'short'? Any help is greatly appreciated.

  • ANNETTELINEA Feb 16, 2009

    I HAVE AN 1996 SATURN SL1 AND MY TAILLIGHTS AND DASH BOARD LIGHT OR OUT WHERE IS THE FUSE FOR THEM, I DON'T HAVE A OWNER'S MANUAL.

  • nkf105 Feb 26, 2009

    i have the same problem but the fuse under the hood keeps blowing i think it has a short some were behind the radio because i bumped the radio and this happened so i am going to try to get a wiring diagram

  • farmertaylor Apr 20, 2009

    I have the same problem, my 95 Saturn has headlights, blinkers and brake lights but the instrument panel light doesn't work. The parking lights and the tail lights don't work either.All of the fuses are good and I have replaced the switch. I ran a jumper wire from the fuse back to the tail lights and they worked. So I know I have power at the fuse. I checked the power going to the switch and it's good. I don't know what to do next with this car. I also can't find a wiring diagram for it.

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I was having a similar problem with my 2000 SL. when the taillights would go, so would the cruise control. and through many bulb and fuse replacements, i finally went into a saturn dealership and they did a recall campaign on it. they did their thing and i havnt had any problems since. FREE!

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  • Posted on Dec 01, 2008
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Your post isn't very clear.  Your taillights should not be coming on until you turn on the headlights.  Now if they come on when you turn on the headlights, but go out when you step on the brakes, this is a common problem when the ground line from the bulbs is broken.  
Take out a bulb and turn on the head lights.  You should have 12 volts to one of the bulb terminals.  When someone steps on the brakes, you should get 12 volts on another terminal in addition to the one you have for the headlights.  If you are getting that, then the return path (ground) is broken.

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  • Saturn Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 10, 2008
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There is no other fuse boxd, replace the headlight switch.

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