tail lights out, problem not the bulbs or the fuse - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jr_certs · 10-31-2002, 09:28 AM

I can't figure this out. The fuse has blown before so thats what a checked first and it was blown. I didn't have any 15A fuses so I thought maybe putting a 20A in there while I drive to get a 15A fuse would be OK. I put in the 20A and the tail lights came on but not all of them, only the two side ones and the license plate ones. The brake lights and turn signals work fine, but the tail lights that come on when I turn on my headlights won't come on. What I'm worried is that when I put in the 20A fuse I let too much current through and roasted some wires(?). The bulbs are fine because I had a spare and checked, everytime the regular light won't come on but the brake lights do come on. Anyone had this problem before? Anyone had an idea?

PLRBEAR · 10-31-2002, 09:33 AM

Did you get someone to press the brake pedal while you're at it?

***Silver Streak*** · 10-31-2002, 09:38 AM

What car do you drive? Check out this post:

http://www.toyotanation.com/viewtopic.php?t=10619

You probably have a short in the system, most likely in the trunk area.

VZV21 · 10-31-2002, 02:36 PM

you have to get someone to trace the lighting circuit to find the fault.

jr_certs · 11-01-2002, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLRBEAR

Did you get someone to press the brake pedal while you're at it?

yeah, the brake lights work fine.
BTW I have a Gen2, 1987

VZV21 · 11-01-2002, 09:17 AM

gut feeling says brake light failure sensor (had 2 go before)...but they are a costly part, close to $150.

Get the system traced to the real fault

jr_certs · 11-04-2002, 12:47 PM

I checked my Chilton's and I can't find any wiring diagrams. So could someone tell me where th wiring harness is on a Gen2 for the tail lights? Thanks.

white90dx · 11-05-2002, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jr_certs

I checked my Chilton's and I can't find any wiring diagrams. So could someone tell me where th wiring harness is on a Gen2 for the tail lights? Thanks.

What exactly do you mean? All the wires that go to the trunk pretty much go down the drivers side of the car. You will see them in the trunk coming in right above the driver's side rear strut tower... you can find the wire colors you are interested in at the sockets, and go from there. You will need a multimeter or test like to test everything. I believe the rear brake light failure sensor hides behind the plastic cover on the driver's side of the trunk if you can trace things that far... Good luck!

-Charlie

PS. I have a Hayne's manual, and I can probably find the wiring colors you are interested in if you can't figure it out... Email me if you need 'em.