Tail light not working - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jaep0913 · 07-31-2007, 06:47 PM

This seems to be a common problem on gen 5's. I always see gen 5's with either one or both of their tail lights not lighting when they brake.
Both of my tail lights wont light up when i press the brake. Thank god i have a spoiler...

I checked the fuse under my driving side, but the fuse isnt blown...
i tried to change the bulbs but that doesnt work either. I also checked the wiring but nothing is wrong... what can be the problem here ?

thanks guys

jaep0913 · 07-31-2007, 09:31 PM

bump !

poohbear · 08-01-2007, 04:19 AM

which fuse did you check for?

and there could be a connection problem with the bulb and the adapter..

and i assume this is happening on both sides?

johnnyzee · 08-01-2007, 06:32 AM

seriously man, i'd say 99.999999999999999% it is your bulb or a corroded socket. If you say you put in a brand new bulb of the same type number and it still doesnt work, try cleaning your bulb socket with electrical parts cleaner/steel wool cloth or brush/SOS pad/wire brush/etc. then spray some white lithium grease or any kind of electrical contact grease and then try.

Try that first before you start ripping your car's wiring apart.

MrSo0h0o · 08-01-2007, 07:14 AM

might be silly but are u sure you got a dual filament(i think thats what its called) bulb? and i remember on my 93 when one tail light's bright lighting element(when you brake) went out, i had to replace both bulbs on each side for some reason for it to work..

gdanaher · 08-01-2007, 07:36 AM

Y'all keep saying tail light but I think you are talking about stop lights, and it might not be the same bulb. If the center light is working and the lower bulbs are not working, then you know the problem is not a switch or a fuse. They are all connected. Problem has to be the bulb or the socket it is plugged in to, so make sure you are looking at the right socket and then get about cleaning the contacts. If it isn't too badly corroded a pencil eraser will sometimes work to polish the surface. Other than that get a little drimmle tool to get down in there and polish the surface, and yes, check the new bulbs with a vom for continuity. The new bulb might be broken as well.