Do have a multimeter? With one you might be able to tell if the socket is getting power without spending money on a new bulb.

 

nooo i dont... but if their was no power going to them what happens??



and would a diagnostic on the car really tell me if my tail lights dont work??

 

I would pick one up and what it would tell you is if they were getting power or not. If there is no power going to them you need to find a wiring diagram find out which wire powers the brake lights test it at it source see if it has power. If yes run a new line (you have a short) if no then you most likely have a bad relay.

 

and how do i do about to changing the relay?

 

Hmm, looks like its getting pretty involved!

If it were me, I'd just get it checked out at my local auto electrician.

LEX ES 300

 

Need to find out if it is the relay first. If it is I'm not sure off the top of my head.

 

so you hit the brake nothing works except your third brake light but when you turn on your headlamp it turns on. Sounds like 100% light bulb to me. those double filament light bulb needs replacements. i get this a lot every day when im working. customers come in and say no brack light.
most of them has bulb problem. if no single light is on from your back then i'd check the fuse.

 

Change out the bulbs yourself before you pay some autotech to perform eletrical tests on the car. The bulbs are less than 6 dollars for the pair the last time I checked.

 

We've all suggested this and Hyperboy says he's already tried this

 

lex es300 has a pt, really check it

sometimes, the socket can become corroded or the wiring at it are , so check for that, youll need a multimeter

 

YES!!!Go to RadioShack they are cheap and they have so many uses.

 

im going to go get bulbs first.
if that doesnt work then multimeter!

 

It should be your bulb, I have the same problem with mines.. you should see if the things are touching inside.. There should be 2. One is for when you turn on your headlights and the other one is for the brake light.

 

well yesterday i went to get new bulbs... i popped them in and still nothing...

i asked service at pep boys to see how much a electrical diagnostics would be and he proudly said 99.99

wtf?! theres gotta be a cheaper/easier way!

 

Has this been tried yet multimeter's are cheap?