Greetings all,

I've changed the corner lights and all the interior lights on my 2003 ES300 to LEDs and I'm pleased with the results. Yesterday I installed LED's in the tail/brake lights and the high mounted brake light. The lights work fine but the dashboard is showing the little top view of a car with the indication that there is a problem with the rear lights. Can anyone explain why this is occurring and how to shut off the dash "error" light.

Thank you,

Vic
Fort Myers, Florida
2003 ES300 with 105K miles

 

The error is likely because the system is seeing a different voltage than expected, thus the error message.

I have not done this on THIS car, but on two motorcycles I've switched to LEDs, to get proper function you needed a load balancer/equalizer. Adding resistors in-line will work if you can figure out what is required from the new vs. old bulb specs.

 

Thanks Oro,

That makes sense. I wonder if it will be as easy as measuring the resistance in the incandescent bulbs and adding resistance to the LED's to equal that same resistance.

Vic
Fort Myers, Florida
2003 ES300 Millennium Silver 105K miles

 

LED Bulbs with the correct resistance built-in are available for sale. Albeit, a bit more expensive and somewhat harder to find.

 

Yes, it's that easy. If you have a multi-meter and some modest skills, you can figure the resistance you need to add and then just wire it in. You can likely google it and find some tutorials and videos.

At least it is working for you and only throwing a warning light, sometimes its far enough off the lights don't work correctly.

 

Hi Vic,

I cannot seem to get the high mounted break light after removing the 2 hex nuts on the side. Do you pry it out with force or is there a trick to getting it off safely to replace a bulb?

 

Greetings Velani,

On my 2003 ES300 there's no hardware to undo to get at the high mounted stop light. It's just a matter of using your thumbs to push on the plastic housing and lift or use a spatula to slide under and push against the plastic pieces that extend downward to clip the housing to the rear deck. Once you push the tabs forward just a little the housing will easily lift and release from the rear deck. Once released you can unplug the fixture from the car and the light fixture is a twist out to get at the socket. I'm guessing yours may not be a sedan.

Good luck,

Vic
Fort Myers, Florida
2003 ES300, Millenium Silver w/ 106K miles