Tail Light Problem, odd one this is. Options

[amilleri]

So I've had this problem for a while, not quite sure what is causing it at the moment, but... My tail lights currently do not work, the running lights only. Brake and reverse lights work. I changed the rear harness in the trunk that goes to the tails and have checked all fuses, the front marker lights work as well. I've also noticed that the rear defroster doesn't work, but that may be an unrelated issue. Anyone got any ideas here for this one?

[toyota123]

I have had 5 different Toyota cars all have had this problemat some point. Check behind your brake pedal and see if the plug that engages the plunger for the brake lights to activate is there. You should be able to hear a small clicking sound when you press the pedal. If you done there is a very simple fix. Super glue a quarter to to the brake pedal in the appropriate place

[eMrock32]

Check your fuse. Sounds like possible headlight switch is going out if it continues to blow the fuse or just not work at all.

[Galcobar]

When you say the rear lights, you mean the ones which share a position with the brake lights? Common issue there is that one of the dual filaments in an 1157 burnt out -- usually it's the running light as it's on all the time. So, the bulb will not illuminate until you press the brake pedal, which is how I read your description of the problem.

You mention changing the harness, but not the bulbs.

When you say the rear lights, you mean the ones which share a position with the brake lights? Common issue there is that one of the dual filaments in an 1157 burnt out -- usually it's the running light as it's on all the time. So, the bulb will not illuminate until you press the brake pedal, which is how I read your description of the problem.

[amilleri]

Ok update for the few questions you guys had and to explain a little better.

My brake lights and reverse lights work. The running marker lights.. do not... I have checked both bulbs and fuses and swapped out the rear trunk harness. I will be doing the actual tail harnesses that hold the bulbs tomorrow. I will re-check the bulbs tomorrow as well, but I would find it odd that all of the rear marker lights to blow out at the same time.

Again the headlights work, fog lights work, high beams work, front marker lights on the fenders work, blinkers all the way around work, all brake lights work and reverse lights work. It is just the rear markers that are always on when the headlights are on that are not working.

[richee3]

I know I've seen a thread on this exact issue before. I've tried searching for it but I can't find the thread at all right now. If I remember right it was something simple, like a corroded ground in the trunk. I'll keep searching to see what I can find.

[toyota123]

Took me 2 days to realize that I read your post wrong. Apologiesthere iI thought you said brakes weren't working. Having read it properly I'm with richee I would be looking for a ground wire somewhere.

[amilleri]

I know I've seen a thread on this exact issue before. I've tried searching for it but I can't find the thread at all right now. If I remember right it was something simple, like a corroded ground in the trunk. I'll keep searching to see what I can find.

I didn't see anything corroded when I changed the harness, I'll give it another look.

[amilleri]

Update, still haven't figured it out, I've checked the ground near the D/S quarter panel and the ground near the truck latch and they are both in good order. With the harness switched out I'm at a loss on figuring out what is wrong.

[richee3]

Did you have this issue before Captain Morgan plowed into your car? From the pictures of the damage I wouldn't think it's likely but it's possible that the harness running through the fender got pinched.

[amilleri]

Well, after the car was fixed it was still working just fine then one day it just stopped. I did take off the interior panel and looked at the harness and ground in the quarter and it looked fine to me. I guess I'll go back out and take a 2nd look, but I didn't see any issues.