Strange instrument light problem with 99 camry

[JT-KGY]

Hi guys. I'm new here trying to help out a friend.

He's been having trouble with his 99 camry. The orange brake-light warning light will come
on randomly.. gear indicator's "R" will light up along with "D"... sometimes the check-engine
light will come on. Does 99 camry have a history of faulty instrument lights?

I found this thread thru search...will check the fluid level tomorrow.
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t101150.html

Any input greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

[SnakeyeS]

def. check the brake fluid/pads

[freestylez]

open your trunk there should be wires running thru the carpet on the driver side check those wires out/tape them up

[JT-KGY]

Turns out that it wasnt brake-lights..
It was warning lights for tail-lights even though they are working.
Also, "R" for reverse light comes on... and sometimes even check
engine lights...

[stlmo]

Several years ago a message was posted here describing the following problem with a 99 Camry:

[My] warning lights for tail-lights [come on] even though they are working.

Also, "R" for reverse light comes on... and sometimes even check

engine lights...

My 98 Camry is having the EXACT SAME problems: (1) when I turn the headlights on, the warning light for the tail-lights comes on even though the tail-lights are working, and the "R" for reverse comes on even though I am actually in drive (the "D" for drive is also on, albeit more faintly than the "R"); and (2) the check engine light is also coming on.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks much.

[islandboy57]

I think I'd start with getting that CEL read to see if it's throwing a code. Hopefully someone else can chime in here with something more useful.

[nuron]

For the 'R,' your reverse lights might be out, as that is what happened to my dad's car. Check the trunk harness loom, we had to rewire and retape some broken and frayed wires.

[Deadly Sushi]

Mmmmmm.... take the light bulb out