GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Tail light malfunction light on, but no light out

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Old 09-13-08, 09:17 PM
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pitmanr200
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Default Tail light malfunction light on, but no light out

my tail light malfunction light came on, but i checked all lights and they are on. it has to be getting the malfunction from the brake light being it doesnt come on after i start car untill i push brake and then it stays on. Does anybody know what is wrong?
Old 09-13-08, 09:42 PM
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Solo_D33A
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it's the bulbs from the brake light that's burnt, get someone to press the brake for you and you see for yourself which one is burnt. or get something to hold the brake....
Old 09-13-08, 09:45 PM
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Deception
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do you have the led tail lights. or did you recently install like led turn signal bulbs. if so, these bulbs uses low voltages, and does not have resistors. which will cause the malfunction light to come on. If not then i recommend you have a buddy step on the brake and check all lights.
Old 09-14-08, 02:16 PM
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movaaa55
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just had the same problem.. its the connection with the bulb and socket. my left brake light would work a few days then stop working for a day or two.. i just replaced both of them cuz my friend hooked me up with them for free. but u can just add some bulb grease to the base and it will most likly fix the problem.. but if that dosent work just replace them at autozone... its product number is 1407 i think and its like $5 for two
Old 09-14-08, 04:54 PM
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pitmanr200
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both lights are on. so i would say its connection and they are stock tails.
Old 09-14-08, 05:22 PM
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GS300_BigB
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happened to me. but then after awhile it turns off nothing to worry about shouldnt be a big deal.
Old 09-15-08, 05:51 AM
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gs-ireland
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I had the same problem, its the 3rd brake light.

There are 5 bulbs in it, a bank of 3 and 2. Some of mine were blown and after I replaced one bulb the warning light stopped.

Easy to check, just push the 3rd brake light to the side (cant remember which way), lift and twist it around so you can see the bulbs when you hit the pedal.
Old 09-15-08, 09:57 PM
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pitmanr200
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Originally Posted by louiegs400
emmm, if everything is working as you say and its just the light on the dash
did u try to do a ecu refresh ? un plug the Battery for at lest 30-40 mins
once time is up plug it back in and see if that works

i hate to do that. i just did that 2 weeks ago for other reasons and now i will have to program everything again, but i will do it if i have to.
Old 09-16-08, 09:31 AM
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jcat_350
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cmonn guys. our tail lamps use a 7440 DUAL FILAMENT bulb.

meaning, especially at night, its at one level of brightness, then the SAME bulb gets brighter (second filament) when you hit the brakes.

one of the filaments in one of your bulbs must be out. turn on your headlights so that your night time rear running lights come on. then, have someone hit the brake pedal with you behind the car. I bet one of the lights doesn't get brighter.

$5 anyone? i'm willing to bet.
Old 09-16-08, 09:32 PM
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pitmanr200
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i found it. there are 4 or 5 bulbs in 3rd brake light. i pulled it out and light came back on. now light is off on dash. must have been loose. how does that 3rd light mount in rear deck. it can slide side to side and i cant tell where its supposed to sit.
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