1988 Mazda 626 2.0D. Tail light on dashboard stays burning. What does this mean? I checked all lights. Including the lamps above the number plate.

I don't have any manual so I really don't know what it is.

Thanks

 

The light means that one of your taillights is either burnt out, is the wrong bulb, or the grounding screw has worked loose. From inside the trunk pull back the carpet trim to gain access to the backside of the taillights. There are a couple of tabs to squeeze and lamb/bulb assembly should easily pull away from the body. If there is any question about the bulbs then just replace the brake/tail bulbs with new. Trade # is an 1157 that should be easily available. Turn signals are #1156. Side markers are #168. While you are in there you will see some small screws with a wire under them. These are the grounding screws for the bulb sockets. Make sure all are nice and snug. Careful not to overtighten as they are only screwed into plastic. They have a tendancy to work loose and cause dim bulbs as well as 'TAIL' warning lamps on the dash. Visually check the bulbs when lit to make sure they are of equal brightness from side to side as well. Hope this helps.

 

Quite a few years ago when i worked on Volvos, I learned they were so picky about taillight bulbs, all bulbs had to be the same brand and base color. For example, if one was a brass base and one a silver base, it would set the taillight warning lamp. Even if both were working fine and looked to be of equal brightness.