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

strange light malfunction when brakes applied *VIDEO*

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Old 02-25-15, 10:39 PM
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ISFjimmy
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Default strange light malfunction when brakes applied *VIDEO*

I've tried searching for this, but could not find my specific problem. My rear dash light is on, but I've gone around and checked every light with and without the brakes applied. My LED rears have resistors so I don't think they are the problem since it was also doing this when I had 01+ tail lights. I've also removed my rear spoiler, but again it was doing it before I removed it. I do not have a 3rd brake light in my back window.

Anyways, whenever I step on the brakes for some odd reason the parking lights and sidemarker lights come on. But not just that, the center console lights come on too. Check out the video.

(that annoying sound is from my garage light)

Any idea what could be the problem here?
Old 02-26-15, 08:05 AM
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Mr Jokster
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Check the wiring in the trunk area and see if a wire is grounding off somewhere. Also try unplugging each side and see if that can narrow down which side is causing the problem. Also check the wires that went to your spoiler in case those may be grounding off somewhere.
Old 02-26-15, 01:45 PM
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ISFjimmy
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Good idea. I'll try that tonight!
Old 02-26-15, 04:37 PM
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I've seen this happen in other cars before when bulb contacts have melted and started touching, causing the brake light circuit to feed power to the tail circuit. Given your setup, I doubt that's exactly what's happening, but there's definitely a short between the two circuits somewhere. Also, the tail light failure lamp does include the third brake light, if you don't have one it will trigger it.
Old 02-28-15, 07:34 PM
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ISFjimmy
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Alright guys, I got it all figured out! Thanks for all your help!

I started by unplugging each tail light. Once I figured out which tail light it was I checked each bulb plug. Here is the one that was making contact and causing a problem.





You can see on the left that there was two prongs touching.





Can you tell I'm blind





Fixed!





Matches the other connection plugs now

Thanks again for the help. Hopefully this can help someone in the future who might come across something similar.
Old 02-28-15, 08:09 PM
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Mr Jokster
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Glad you figured it out.
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