Hey all,

I have a 2005 RX-8. I got pulled over recently for my tail lights being out. I checked and only the two little red lights on the sides are on. The big red circles still light up though when I press my brakes. So I'm confused if:

1) The tail lights are supposed to be that way, just the little lights on the side
2) Something is wrong with the bulbs, wiring, etc.

Can anyone confirm for sure? If #2, any idea what might be wrong?

Thanks in advance!

 

There is one bulb containing both the brake light and rear light. Seems like the rear light part has failed or maybe the wiring has failed. The red circles are supposed to be on together ait the side LEDs

 

If you check under your right tire and it’s missing the shell there can be a wire there it can get damaged because of the tire that’s what was wrong with mine and I had the same issue as you also might want to check your fuse box and make sure the fuse isn’t blown

 

Your running lights aren't working. You probably have a wiring problem somewhere or a fuse gone. Running lights should look like this:

 

The bulbs are a 7443 and are dual filament bulbs. Meaning one filament is for the brake lights and the other for the tail lights. Check the bulbs to ensure both filaments are good before going any further.

You have source voltage being applied to the bulbs when braking as indicated by the brake lights being operational. If the other marker bulbs work, you can isolate the issue to the rear wiring. My money is on bad bulbs over a corroded socket or bad wiring.

 

Strange coincidence if they both went bad at the same time.
Unless someone installed the wrong bulbs.

 

5 year old thread bump.

pretty sure the issue was a filament bulb so if anyone experiences this, start with the basics. Change out bulbs, check wiring for a pinch / short.
closing thread now.