racerjim

Just got a nice used ES250 and am fixing it up for my son to drive. We discovered the brake lights do not work and wanted to see if anyone can suggest the best way to troubleshoot? maybe just a simple fuse?

Also looking for general things to check on this model for maintenance or common things to watch. Thanks.

Jim

RTIS250

iTrader: (9)

Can you shift the car out of park when pressing on the brake? If so, that would eliminate the brake pedal switch as a problem. I would aim towards checking the fuses, and then checking the trunk wiring. These cars, as well as others, are notorious for the wiring breaking where it follows along the trunk lid into the trunk itself. Do the lights come on when you turn the headlights on?

racerjim

The car shifts out of park fine and the power goes throught e brake switch as it should so that is probably not the problem. The brake light fuse is fine also. Are there any relays to check up front in the engine area?

I guess I'll check the trunk wiring. does it come down the left/driver's side? thanks.

racerjim

we traced the brake light power back to the orange lamp failure box in the right side of the trunk. There is power going back to this box when the brake pedal is depressed but nothing comes out of it.

Do these boxes go bad by chance?

RTIS250

iTrader: (9)

I can honestly say that i have never replaced one in my 8 years with Lexus.. but that doesnt mean that it isnt bad. I will have to check the wiring diagram when i get to work to refresh my memory.

nuron

The boxes do go bad, it happens sometimes with the gen 2 Camrys.