Brake Light problem

[Decanblue]

Hi Guys,

I did a search for this but none of the topics I was able to pull up seem to be exactly what I am facing.

I'm working on a 1999 Camry, 4cy, and trying to figure out why the light on the trunk lid stopped working all of the sudden. The running lights on the farthest outside (not on the trunk lid) work. When you hit the brakes, they brighten or turn on if the lights are off.

They were working before I changed out the alternator. Long story short, the battery wasn't disconnected and the power lead to the alternator touched the heat shield on top of the engine. I wont be doing car repairs in front of that particular parts store again. Because of the short, the 100a/32v fuse at the very front of the fuse box (under the hood) blew. When I replaced that fuse everything but the trunk lights started working again.

Could it be that I am not looking at the right fuses for these lights? I can't find a good schematic online to show me where to look so if you can post a pic or two, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Dec

[DxElite]

All the fuses for the tail/brake lights are in the fuse box under the dash.

Are the trunk lid lights completely out? no parking light or brake light?
Is the rear lights warning light in the dash on?

I'd check the bulbs themselves. If it's a fuse they all don't work. Also if the fuse for brake light is out, the shift gets locked.

Worst case scenario, it might be your light sensor module got fried and is only outputting to the sides. All the power for the tail lights come from that sensor module so that would be the most likely cause of the problem.

[Decanblue]

Originally Posted by DxElite

All the fuses for the tail/brake lights are in the fuse box under the dash.

Are the trunk lid lights completely out? no parking light or brake light?
Is the rear lights warning light in the dash on?

I'd check the bulbs themselves. If it's a fuse they all don't work. Also if the fuse for brake light is out, the shift gets locked.

Worst case scenario, it might be your light sensor module got fried and is only outputting to the sides. All the power for the tail lights come from that sensor module so that would be the most likely cause of the problem.

Are the trunk lid lights completely out? Yes
no parking light or brake light? Yes
Is the rear lights warning light in the dash on? No

I'll check the lights again, but the all look like they should work.

Where is the light sensor module? Anyone have a pic so it's a little easier to find?

Thanks for the answers!! :o)

Dec

[DxElite]

Originally Posted by Decanblue

Are the trunk lid lights completely out? Yes
no parking light or brake light? Yes
Is the rear lights warning light in the dash on? No

With those answers it's starting to look more likely that the problem is with the sensor.

The sensor is in the trunk on the driver side behind the trunk liner, close to where the gas cap is. It'll be clipped onto a pillar close to the trunk lid hinge, you'll see wires running to it.

I remember reading a thread about that sensor getting fried. Don't remember much of the details or how it ended though.

[Decanblue]

Originally Posted by DxElite

With those answers it's starting to look more likely that the problem is with the sensor.

The sensor is in the trunk on the driver side behind the trunk liner, close to where the gas cap is. It'll be clipped onto a pillar close to the trunk lid hinge, you'll see wires running to it.

I remember reading a thread about that sensor getting fried. Don't remember much of the details or how it ended though.

Would anyone happen to know the part number for the Light Sensor Module? I haven't had a chance to take a look at it yet, but I'd like to know how much it costs before I dive in and pull it if it's bad.

I've been doing searches online for it and I'm pretty sure that "Light Sensor Module" is not the proper part name for it since no one seems to carry one... :o(

Thanks for all of the advice and help!

Dec

[DxElite]

Here's the thread that I mentioned earlier, it's for a 94 but it looks to be the same problem you are having.
I'm pretty sure the name of that part is "Light Failure Sensor"
As for the part number, I don't know where you might find it.

[Decanblue]

Originally Posted by DxElite

Here's the thread that I mentioned earlier, it's for a 94 but it looks to be the same problem you are having.
I'm pretty sure the name of that part is "Light Failure Sensor"
As for the part number, I don't know where you might find it.

Thanks DX, you've been a lot of help!

Dec