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Tail Light Warning -- No Code!

Old Nov 15, 2016 | 05:44 AM
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Default Tail Light Warning -- No Code!

My wife has a 2001 LS430 with just over 100K on it. The other day she said the tail light warning light came on the dash. I checked the tail lights -- no problem. I then connected my code reader -- no code. Since we recently moved to FL there is no Lexus dealer near me any longer.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks,
-gene
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Old Nov 15, 2016 | 05:56 AM
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If Lexus is like BMW, then the warning goes on even before a bulb is out. I wasn't that good but I still remember Ohm's law from physics. When a bulb is failing the resistance will go up, and it will be infinite when the bulb blows. Something is measuring the current and detects the change. With the BMW, a code told which bulb--then, if the said bulb, which is still functioning, is moved to the opposite side, the code changed and followed the bulb. Or, without testing, one could simply replace the bulb based on the code. If Lexus doesn't provide codes, one would likely have to experiment, or wait for the bulb to fail.....good luck.
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Old Nov 15, 2016 | 07:15 AM
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Thanks for the post. Did a bit of further research and it appears others have had the same issue. One post recommended replacing all the bulbs at the same time. Good idea!
My wife says her car is now a "teenager" and beginning to act badly
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Old Nov 15, 2016 | 07:34 AM
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There are 3 bulbs in each tail light, and if memory serves me the dash warning light could also refer to a running light up front as well. I had the warning light on for a while and I thought there were only 2 bulbs in the tail light, I didn't see the top bulb. In another thread I saw an issue where a person had used a 3 watt bulb instead of a 5 watt bulb, the 3 watt was causing his warning light.
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Old Nov 15, 2016 | 07:47 AM
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Thanks to all -- especially the recommendation to check the backup lights!
Anyway, found the door to the bulbs -- can see 2 very easily -- but not sure just how to remove them. Is it a push and turn or what?
Thanks,
-gene
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Old Nov 15, 2016 | 08:40 AM
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Done! Thanks for all the help. This is really a great forum.
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