STR

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2000 GS3 and the indicator for a burnt out tail light came on and I have no idea why. I checked the tail lights, brake lights, bulbs, and fuses. It comes on when I first step on the brake after staring the car. That's supposed to indicate a bad bulb, but there doesn't seem to be one. Anyone have any experience with this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, isn't the bottom part of the tail light the only part that has a brake light in it or does the top on light up too? My top lights don't come on when the brake is pressed, but I don't think they're supposed to.

Debonair

Did you check the front bulbs? Also check with and with out your lights turned on. Some of the dual filament bulbs can be tricky to spot.

STR

iTrader: (1)

I just noticed the top part of the tail lights doesn't light up when you push the brake. I'm not sure if it's supposed to though. It would be kinda weird if both of them went out at the same time.

istundra

iTrader: (2)

try checking the bulbs for corrosion.

gserep1

This is a pretty common problem on Lexus cars. Your problem MAY be in the anti-collision lights (known as 3rd eye). These are inside the car near your rear window. If any of these bulbs are blown you will get this indication.

We had this problem with my brother-in-laws 99 LS400. All other bulbs were changed, and it was not until we did these did the light go out.

Check it out and see if this is your problem. I have a 99 GS400, so my rear tails look a little different than the newer cars.

I think that the top part of the light assemblies out back should be for reverse lights and turn signals when you have them on.

Good luck and keep us apprised.

Debonair

3rd eye? Never heard them called that before. Always high mount brake light. Great suggestion either way.

The OP's car has the same tails as yours (98-00). Aren't the turn and reverse light in the middle not the top?

STR

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the 3rd brake light suggestion. That's what it was. I checked the brake lights one more time and noticed the middle of the brake light wasn't lit. Checked out the bulbs and the one in the middle was burnt out. $2.00 and a Wal-Mart trip later, problem solved .

dxb_8788

that happen to me once i checked my rear light and i couldnt found any burn light then i checked the 3rd brake light i noticed the small middle one doesnt work

gserep1

You are welcome. Happy to help. I only know because it happened to me. It is great to be able to exchange ideas and experiences.

Debonair

Good call gsresp1!

GS3ooMania

iTrader: (2)

on the 2000 taillights does the outer top lights soposed to be lit up when steping on the brake?

DrewGS350

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! I have the same problem at the moment...will check out the "3rd eye" . Brake light in the spoiler

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

i was unaware this worked on the front bulbs, thought this was a taillight indicator......?mine came on when i first bought it, had a faulty bulb on my 3rd brake light that would sometimes light up and sometimes not so when i went to change it i couldnt find it till one day i finally noticed it! also check the upper bulbs on the outside taillights they can be tricky to spot if they are out

gserep1

I must really be old...(56), but back when the high mounted stop lamp first came out, it was called the "cyclops" or third eye, since it sits higher than the regular brake lights, and is mounted in the center.

Sorry if I confused anyone
J

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

hell, i have never heard them called the anti-collision lights!