LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

How to change high tail light (3rd brake light)

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Old 12-04-15, 04:30 PM
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panthersfn
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Changed the third brake light on my RX 300 and it doesn't work. Used Sylvania 921 12.8v, any help is greatly appreciated! I did not disconnect the battery or the wiring from the circuitry attached could this be the issue?

Last edited by panthersfn; 12-04-15 at 04:33 PM. Reason: added more info
Old 12-04-15, 04:52 PM
  #62  
Tom57
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Originally Posted by panthersfn
Changed the third brake light on my RX 300 and it doesn't work. Used Sylvania 921 12.8v, any help is greatly appreciated! I did not disconnect the battery or the wiring from the circuitry attached could this be the issue?
You are in the LS430 forum. Try this one: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...1999-2003-182/
Old 08-07-17, 10:39 AM
  #63  
andyman32
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Big +1 for this solution. Works exactly as described. And if you don't do it this way, the way the plastic clips fit into the parcel shelf liner, they will break off. You'd never know if you weren't told. But, it works perfectly, spot-on. Thanks for posting this!!!

Originally Posted by 2SAVVY
Ok finally got this done.. Here are the steps:

PUSH BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING DOWN - SLIDE TO THE LEFT (towards passenger side) about 1/4" to 1/2" then LIFT UP slightly and pull TOWARDS you then the rest is straightforward. REMEMBER to LIFT up just a little as the clips break easily.

Many thanks to teamplayer and the Lexus tech today who helped me out..

Ken
Old 08-07-17, 11:20 AM
  #64  
2SAVVY
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No problem glad it worked for you. Enjoy your LS it's a great car. Miss mine but the RC is a ton of fun to drive 😁
Old 01-09-19, 04:46 PM
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ECB
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Good thread! I just changed mine out.

Originally I was in the trunk wondering how I was going to do it.
Old 01-10-19, 07:53 AM
  #66  
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Mine was out yet the dealer that sold me the car passed it for a New York State safety inspection! I actually was worried if the unit were out, or just the bulb, of course, just the bulb.

This is a hint that our cars are old. My 1998 Maxima has a LED light bar, as would any premium car around 2000 or so. Interesting to have LED tails but not high mount.
Old 01-10-19, 10:11 AM
  #67  
jayclapp
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I've actually never seen my high tail light when it's on, so I don't worry about what it looks light for others. Have you noticed that there is a heat coil the encircles that rear light to defrost it with the rear window? Expect little details from Lexus. Things you find even after owning 12 years!
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Old 01-10-19, 12:51 PM
  #68  
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Originally Posted by jayclapp
Have you noticed that there is a heat coil the encircles that rear light to defrost it with the rear window? Expect little details from Lexus. Things you find even after owning 12 years!
Whoa.... I need to check this out later. Wife is currently out with the LS.

Thanks for sharing!
Old 01-10-19, 02:32 PM
  #69  
LS430inDE.
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Originally Posted by jayclapp
I've actually never seen my high tail light when it's on, so I don't worry about what it looks light for others. Have you noticed that there is a heat coil the encircles that rear light to defrost it with the rear window? Expect little details from Lexus. Things you find even after owning 12 years!
Hate to say it but that's a pretty simplistic mentality, don't you think? You SHOULD worry what it looks like for others. Heck, you need to ensure it WORKS! As John said, a lot of slackers who don't pay attention to details at "inspection lanes."

I'll ALWAYS confirm things are lighting up properly at the tail end. It's usually easy to tell when backing up, and there's a plate glass window storefront behind you, or some other glass/metal reflective surface.

To state the obvious, the center mounted brake light isn't for you, nor really for the guy behind you, but rather the guy behind HIM. The faster everyone stops, the better off everyone in the line is!.....so in retrospect, that center mounted brake light IS for you after all.
Old 01-10-19, 03:01 PM
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jayclapp
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Originally Posted by LS430inDE.
Hate to say it but that's a pretty simplistic mentality, don't you think? You SHOULD worry what it looks like for others. Heck, you need to ensure it WORKS! As John said, a lot of slackers who don't pay attention to details at "inspection lanes."

I'll ALWAYS confirm things are lighting up properly at the tail end. It's usually easy to tell when backing up, and there's a plate glass window storefront behind you, or some other glass/metal reflective surface.

To state the obvious, the center mounted brake light isn't for you, nor really for the guy behind you, but rather the guy behind HIM. The faster everyone stops, the better off everyone in the line is!.....so in retrospect, that center mounted brake light IS for you after all.
What I'm saying is that I can't sit in the car, depress the brake to activate the rear brake light, and see it. No way can I tell if it's working or not. Consequently, I can't tell what type of light it is. My dealer will tell me when it's not working. I am not disagreeing about the safety aspect of the light.
Old 01-12-19, 03:31 PM
  #71  
sha4000
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Put a stick on the brake pedal and move the driver's seat up until it holds the stick on the pedal, then walk in back of the car and check out all the lights. Do this while the car is in Park.
Old 11-01-20, 09:05 AM
  #72  
rally333
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Default Worked like a charm

Originally Posted by teamplayer
From inside the car, slide the 3rd brake light housing to the left then pull back.

Do not pry on it. It should NOT require much effort!!!

Btw, All the LS430 are the same.
Thanks very much. This worked like a charm today in rainy Netherlands.
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Old 07-07-21, 04:38 PM
  #73  
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Old 07-07-21, 07:12 PM
  #74  
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Originally Posted by jayclapp
What I'm saying is that I can't sit in the car, depress the brake to activate the rear brake light, and see it. No way can I tell if it's working or not. Consequently, I can't tell what type of light it is. My dealer will tell me when it's not working. I am not disagreeing about the safety aspect of the light.
put a mirror on the trunk lid
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