Hey everyone! Just found this site and super thankful! Just got a 2000 RX300 that’s been great. Lexus fan for life!! Quick question - the rear light failure warning light was on when I bought the car. Left brake light was out so I replaced the bulb and it’s working perfectly now. Only thing is, the light stays on! Is there something I need to reset to get this off? Thanks in advance for any help/tips!! 😀

Are both of your rear side marker lights on the bumper working?

Actually haven’t looked at that! I appreciate it Ricco, I’ll check it out... 👍🏼

Hi Gra8fulRX, welcome to Club Lexus!

My owner's Manual says the following regarding that warning light. I have a 2001 RX, so I believe it should be the same..

(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight switch is turned on (at
the first or second clickstop), it indicates that one or more of the
tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is depressed, one or more
stop lights are burned out.
[p. 45]

When you first start up the engine, that warning light should not be lighted. Is it becoming lighted when you put the tail lights on, or when you press on the brakes pedal?

Hi OilMemes! Thanks for letting me know, that’s exactly it! Both seems burned out so I need to get them replaced. Thanks again and take care!

If you like, you can do the following..

Make a video record using your mobile phone, or any camera, of the rear of the vehicle, as you do these
1. switch the tail lights on and off
2. push and release brake pedal

Review the video and see if you can observe any bad bulbs. If you are able to, great!
If not,
Upload the record video on youtube (you can keep it as "Unlisted")
and share it here.
That way we are able to see and identify which bulb if any is failed and need of replacement

If you trace the wiring from the brake and indicator lights to the front of the car, you will find a small distribution box behind the LH side panel in the boot
(for a RH driven vehicle. It must be on the same side for LH driven vehicle).
Check this out, it could be a problem with the wiring inside the box. I had the same problem and it was traced back to this box.

Thanks for all the input guys! Much appreciated! It’s definitely the bumper lights, one is actually broke from a small damage on that part of the vehicle. I will get them replaced and hopefully that does it.

Thanks again everyone, Happy New Year too! All the best in 2020 !