DDLexus

Well... after about 6 months, the 3rd brake light finally dies. I think this was the culprit all along.

I purchased a bulb from Walmart for about $1.77 and installed in the parking lot. Took no time at all.

LESSON LEARNED.
- The Bulb indicator light on the instrument panel can detect both failed bulbs and "failing" bulbs. If the light remains on for an extended time, more than a day consistantly, a bulb is OUT. Otherwise, a buld is about to fail.

Cheers.

Lexwang07

You need replaced new light bulbs! It happened my RX every 6 months! The light bulbs burned out! Easy to stalled yourself at home!

salimshah

Bulb needs rpelacement every six months is exessive ... unless you are replacing different bulb each time [all have come close to their expected life]. If you are replacing a replaced bulb, try switching source/brand or look for faulty connection.

Salim

bearbrew

There is another thread about the metal contacts in the socket being sprung. By taking a small flat blade screw driver you can slightly bend the four prongs inward to increase the holding pressure on the bulb.
My wife's RX300 was having intermittent bulb out indications on the third brake light and by increasing the pressure on the bulb the problem has gone away. I had previously changed the bulb three or four times using #921 bulbs and still had the problem.
You might give it a try.

NOTE: As someone else pointed out in another thread, it is a lot easier to reinstall the trim by attaching all the metal clips on the trim piece before you reinstall the trim. Some of the clips will sometimes stay on the metal of the hatch and makes it quite difficult to align the trim for re installation.

MarkG2000

so instead of creating a new thread maybe I can get some help.
My 3rd break light has been out for at least 2 years as I never got into the DIY thing..that's changed. It's changed because my break lights don't illuminate.

I started the change by first also replacing one of the tail lights that has been out for a few months. ok...ok...I'm lazy. With the instructions I've found here..it took all but under 5 min to finish. I also replaced the 3rd break light and that took also under 5 min...hell more like 3 min but I cleaned some dust for a better brightness.

Was thinking all along that the break switch was the cause..but after changing the 3rd break light and stepping on the break...that light works.
But ahhhhh...the tail lights still don't illuminate.

Now I'm confused...can it still be the switch? but then the 3rd light wouldn't have lite up or can the bulbs be the issue. (But then both don't light up)
The switch works for the 3rd light but not the others???? doh!

HELPPPPPPPPP

bearbrew

Mark,

What is the condition of the bulb socket? Is there any corrosion in the socket? Is the bulb loose in the socket? Are you using the correct bulb?

Any of the above problems can cause a change in current flow and trip the light indicator.

MarkG2000

Got everything working....they were just the bulbs.
It seems that although working..that there are TWO elements to the bulb.
It it works but doesn't illuminate...it's just the bulb.
Walmart sells them in 2's...for 5 and change. Third break light was just as
easily changed.
All n all it took a total of LESS than 10 min to change out the Break light bulbs as well as the 3rd break light.

I can't imagine what a dealership would charge for something that easy.
my dealership charges $110 per hour to start.

Hell I should start my own Light changing business and charge HALF..lol

amasonpi

How do you get to the third light? There are only two screws on the hatch. Do you then pry the section off?
Thanks.

salimshah

Welcome to club lexus.

You know it is mandatory to read the sticky threads before posting

Check out the Rx300 DIY sticky post #18

Salim