99 neon running tail lights do not work but tail lights work when brakes are applied....help

Had a similar problem in mine. When I applied brakes while head lights were on, the the light would go off completely. There is a computer chip in the tail light assembly that tends to go bad causing the light to malfunction. I just bought a new tail light assembly from eBay and now it works perfectly. As easy as putting in a new bulb but you just have to unplug electric terminal from the light and plug in new light once received.

Since the high mounted brake light works you know that the brake light switch is working. Now you need to check the brake light bulbs in the rear tail light assemblies. The brake lights are separate from the tail light (parking or running lights). There are two screws that hold the rear light assemblies in place.

You might have a bad wire. If it was both tail lights, could be your tail lamp fuse or brake switch.

Yes there is a fuse but if I am not mistaken. I think the dash lights are on the same fuse so if they work then that would eliminate that. Is it just the running lights that dont work or the brake lights too? If all back lights are out, it could be a bad ground wire going to those two lights somewhere in the trunk or possibly could be bad bulbs.

Usually if a fuse blows when applying something else( brakes) indicates they are on the same circuit. Verify the brake lights don't work when the fuse is out or blown. If lights still are working then it's probably not related. If on same circuit then the extra load of the brakes is enough to blow the fuse. Insure you are putting in the correct fuse. Also, this indicates you fuel pump is in a strain either due to restricted fuel filter or worn pump. Replaceing the fuel filter now will only buy you a little time before the pump goes on out. It's blowing fuses because it's drawing more amps in order to run, but always replace filter when replacing pump.

bead brake light switch

check fuses

If the driver's side tail light is working, it's not a fuse. Use a test light to check for power at the bulb holder. One terminal will be for tail light, the other for brake/turn light. If the is constant power for tail light, replace bulb. If no power, trace wiring from bulb holder to driver's side junction. Probable broken wire between the two tail lights.

Hi, you have a bad bulb,....

tail lights working fine, signal lights work brake lights do not come on when brake is applied