Help!!! Tail light indicator came on, not sure why
Help!!! Tail light indicator came on, not sure why
I have a 2000 GS3 and the indicator for a burnt out tail light came on and I have no idea why. I checked the tail lights, brake lights, bulbs, and fuses. It comes on when I first step on the brake after staring the car. That's supposed to indicate a bad bulb, but there doesn't seem to be one. Anyone have any experience with this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, isn't the bottom part of the tail light the only part that has a brake light in it or does the top on light up too? My top lights don't come on when the brake is pressed, but I don't think they're supposed to.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,405
Likes: 55
From: 408 NOR CAL
I have a 2000 GS3 and the indicator for a burnt out tail light came on and I have no idea why. I checked the tail lights, brake lights, bulbs, and fuses. It comes on when I first step on the brake after staring the car. That's supposed to indicate a bad bulb, but there doesn't seem to be one. Anyone have any experience with this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, isn't the bottom part of the tail light the only part that has a brake light in it or does the top on light up too? My top lights don't come on when the brake is pressed, but I don't think they're supposed to.
I just noticed the top part of the tail lights doesn't light up when you push the brake. I'm not sure if it's supposed to though. It would be kinda weird if both of them went out at the same time.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 705
Likes: 3
From: California
This is a pretty common problem on Lexus cars. Your problem MAY be in the anti-collision lights (known as 3rd eye). These are inside the car near your rear window. If any of these bulbs are blown you will get this indication.
We had this problem with my brother-in-laws 99 LS400. All other bulbs were changed, and it was not until we did these did the light go out.
Check it out and see if this is your problem. I have a 99 GS400, so my rear tails look a little different than the newer cars.
I think that the top part of the light assemblies out back should be for reverse lights and turn signals when you have them on.
Good luck and keep us apprised.
We had this problem with my brother-in-laws 99 LS400. All other bulbs were changed, and it was not until we did these did the light go out.
Check it out and see if this is your problem. I have a 99 GS400, so my rear tails look a little different than the newer cars.
I think that the top part of the light assemblies out back should be for reverse lights and turn signals when you have them on.
Good luck and keep us apprised.
Last edited by gserep1; Jan 2, 2009 at 12:29 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,405
Likes: 55
From: 408 NOR CAL
This is a pretty common problem on Lexus cars. Your problem MAY be in the anti-collision lights (known as 3rd eye). These are inside the car near your rear window. If any of these bulbs are blown you will get this indication.
We had this problem with my brother-in-laws 99 LS400. All other bulbs were changed, and it was not until we did these did the light go out.
Check it out and see if this is your problem. I have a 99 GS400, so my rear tails look a little different than the newer cars.
I think that the top part of the light assemblies out back should be for reverse lights and turn signals when you have them on.
Good luck and keep us apprised.
We had this problem with my brother-in-laws 99 LS400. All other bulbs were changed, and it was not until we did these did the light go out.
Check it out and see if this is your problem. I have a 99 GS400, so my rear tails look a little different than the newer cars.
I think that the top part of the light assemblies out back should be for reverse lights and turn signals when you have them on.
Good luck and keep us apprised.
The OP's car has the same tails as yours (98-00). Aren't the turn and reverse light in the middle not the top?
Thanks for the 3rd brake light suggestion. That's what it was. I checked the brake lights one more time and noticed the middle of the brake light wasn't lit. Checked out the bulbs and the one in the middle was burnt out. $2.00 and a Wal-Mart trip later, problem solved 
.
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. Brake light in the spoiler
i was unaware this worked on the front bulbs, thought this was a taillight indicator......?mine came on when i first bought it, had a faulty bulb on my 3rd brake light that would sometimes light up and sometimes not so when i went to change it i couldnt find it till one day i finally noticed it! also check the upper bulbs on the outside taillights they can be tricky to spot if they are out
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 705
Likes: 3
From: California
I must really be old...(56), but back when the high mounted stop lamp first came out, it was called the "cyclops" or third eye, since it sits higher than the regular brake lights, and is mounted in the center.
Sorry if I confused anyone
J
Sorry if I confused anyone
J
