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I have the tail lamp failure warning on my 99 LS400. Upon checking ,all I could find wrong with the lamps was one of my license plate lights was out. I put in a new bulb and double checked the rest of the lights again but I can not get this warning to clear even though all lamps are functioning. Any one else experience this? Thanks
Make sure that when the brake pedal is applied that they are all functional. The system is pretty sensitive and some of those 921 type bulbs when about to die will trigger the dash light. I wouldn't suggest modifying the warning system. Recheck.
Please note that the tail light on your LS 400 (Sylvania 7443) has two filaments. One is active for normal driving and the second is active during braking for added brightness. So while the normal filament may be OK and the tail light appears to be working, the second filament may be burned out which will trigger the warning message on the message center on the dashboard. To test the light, have a friend step on the brakes while you observe from the rear. If the brightness of a tail light does not increase when he steps on the brakes, it means that the second filament is burned out. If you replace this bulb then the warning message will go away.
So thats what that little indicator light on the dash it for!!!
One of the projected images. A picture of a car, with lights radiating out the back... is that the indicator your talking about?
If so, yeah. I get that one only when I have the lights on (at night).
I didnt know what it was for. Now I'll go recheck the bulbs. From memory there is a side light (that I have already replaced) that sometimes goes out but comes back on then I tap the lens.
I just assumed a bad connection but I will recheck all the lights again with a second person. See if I can get that dash light to go away.
...
Just wondered outside to check. Yep. A globe I replaced is giving me issues - I dont think its the globe itself as its new, but its definitely the culprit as the warning light goes out when I tap the lens and the light starts working again.
I'll get in there with some WD40 and a tiny wire brush tomorrow.
Speaking of warning lights, does anyone know what this one means? I cant find an explanation anywhere.
Last edited by PhilipMidd; Jul 16, 2018 at 07:57 AM.
Ah. Cool. Thanks.
Now the image makes sense. Picture of old style radiator. Didn't think of that.
I dont have an issue with it (fortunately) but I couldn't figure out what it was a warning for.
My temp gauge always quickly travels to 1/2 way then stays there - regardless of weather or driving style.
I guess its coolant level low or something?
Coolant level could be low, or the sensor (inside the overflow tank) could have failed (common).
On the rear lights indicator, at least on my '91, that warning light is supposed to come on when the faulty light is first commanded to come on. So for example, when you turn the car ON, without your foot on the brake, the light should go off. Then the first time you step on the brake, if it is a brake light that has failed, the warning light will come on and stay on until you turn the car OFF. Similarly, if you have a failed taillight, the warning light will come on when you turn on the headlights or parking lights.
So basically, if you pay careful attention to exactly when that light comes on, it may help in debugging.
I have a 1996 ls 400. the tail light warning light appeared.... i found one of the side light bulbs was out, so i replaced every bulb. The warning light is still on. Any Ideas???
Oh, when i turn the car on, the light is off, but when I put it in gear, it comes on with the head lights off....Any ideas??
Thanks in advance
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Last edited by tewtops1; Jun 27, 2020 at 11:49 AM.
Reason: more info
I have the tail lamp failure warning on my 99 LS400. Upon checking ,all I could find wrong with the lamps was one of my license plate lights was out. I put in a new bulb and double checked the rest of the lights again but I can not get this warning to clear even though all lamps are functioning. Any one else experience this? Thanks
The package tray mounted brake lamp assembly uses two T-5 bulbs.
If failure will trigger tail lamp warning.
Well worth replacing anyway...inspected mine and both glass envelopes were black.
Tail Lamp Failure Warning
