Taililight wont turn ON automatically when it is dark outside

Hi,
I have a Nissan Maxima-GXE 2001 model.

When it is dark outside the taillights turns ON automatically. Recently one of my taillights stopped working when it goes dark outside. I guess they are the same lights as when you apply breaks (the red light). Here are the details,

- When it is dark only the Right side tailight turns ON automatically but the left side taillight doesnt turn ON automatically. Which was working fine till few days before
- Both the taillights turns ON properly when the break is applied.

Can you guide me what is happening ? Is it something I have to go to the repair shop or something small which I can manage myself. I have some basic knowledge of electrcity.

Are there any good books for repair or details of Maxima-GXE 2001 model?

Thansk in advance.

for the taillights... there are two sets of "brake lamps" the primary and secondary. The first set goes on when it gets dark.. (it's the same as turning on your headlights) then when you apply the brakes the second set lights up.. (that's why it's brighter... both sets on either side is lit up instead of just one on each side)

basically, one of your primary lights are blown out.. (wasn't it the left one?)

it's fairly simple .. jus pop your trunk and there should either be a hole or a cover right behind your taillights. Find the socket for your lamp and remove it by twisting 90 degrees in one direction. Have someone turn the lights on to make sure that bulb is blown. If it is just remove it and look for the bulb number on it (or just look at your owners manual .. they should have the # listed) Go to your local auto store and buy the same one... replace it in the same way without touching the bulb too much. That's pretty much it.