Spitfire Tail lights not working

[OldmamwithaSpit]

I have ‘79 Spitfire. Headlights work, hazard lights work, turn signals work. Tail lights & sidelights do not. Does this sound like a ground problem?if so, where do I start to look for the problem?

 

[poolboy]

Do the brake lights work ?

 

[bobhustead]

We need a little more info. Take a test lite (I do not prefer a meter) and check for juice at the wire (not bulb) side of the bulb connections. If you have power there, you clean the bulb bases and contacts, but it is unlikely that all those connections would go out at once. If no juice, check the light switch terminal and the connections to it. You can do a quicck/dirty check for ground issues by cleaning the brass base of one bulb and leaving it in place jump from the clean spot all the way to the batt ground. Get back here after these tests if the problem is not identified.
Bob

 

[OldmamwithaSpit]

Do the brake lights work ?

Yes

 

[OldmamwithaSpit]

We need a little more info. Take a test lite (I do not prefer a meter) and check for juice at the wire (not bulb) side of the bulb connections. If you have power there, you clean the bulb bases and contacts, but it is unlikely that all those connections would go out at once. If no juice, check the light switch terminal and the connections to it. You can do a quicck/dirty check for ground issues by cleaning the brass base of one bulb and leaving it in place jump from the clean spot all the way to the batt ground. Get back here after these tests if the problem is not identified.
Bob

Thanks for your help.

 

[Andrew Mace]

If ALL running lights are out, there's a 98% chance it's the fuse -- either blown or just with dirty contacts. (Note that brake lights are NOT on the same fuse.)

 

[OldmamwithaSpit]

If ALL running lights are out, there's a 98% chance it's the fuse -- either blown or just with dirty contacts. (Note that brake lights are NOT on the same fuse.)

Thanks to those who helped me. No fuses were blown but when I took them out I did see the holder for the one for the tail lights looked like it might have over heated at some time. I cleaned it best I could and tail lights and side lights came on.