carbongs

iTrader: (13)

so i have an uncle who drives a 2002 rx300. the problem is that the brake lights are not coming on. none at all. not even the day time lights. the thing is that i've checked all the bulbs and the primary fuses. nothing is wrong. could this be due to a relay or something like that?

salimshah

Day time light = DRL [low intesity lights in front]
+
Brake light [tail brake lamps 2 on side +1 high up]

If both circuits are acting up, and both problems appeared at the same time, check the fuses again .. check all fuse boxes and you might have to take it to some one who has the electrical diagram to trace the circuit as the problem could be beyond the fuse [harness or connectors]

If it is just the brake, check the actuator. This block senses the brake pedal travel and is the switch [assuming the fuse are ok]

Tip: Usually voltmeters are OK to test presense of voltage or not .... except in hostile environment ..where a 12v (5watts) bulb with one end tied to chasis ground is a better check. Hostile environment is where the wires and connectors are exopsed to moisture/corrosion [cars/boats etc]. If a connection is corroded the far end voltmeter will give you 12v (negligible current flow through a bad connection) but if you use the bulb, it will draw current and the energy loss in the the bad connection will produce low or no light. [Caution; when there is a current flow in the bulb setup, you do get a spark which in voltmeter does not happen]

Warning: DO NOT set voltmeter to RESISTANCE or OHM check to test out wires, without knowing which circuit you are testing. If you SEND voltage [which you do in OHM mode] to an air bag circuit, you will deploy the air bag].

Salim

B1TEM3

Edit: Whops, it 3 years old thread, haha.

I maybe able to help your uncle with the RX300 tail light issue, I have this rear tail light computer 08921-68051 brand new for sale. Let me know its I paid $200 for it. selling cheap $50.

Picture check attachment please

lexus114

A tail light computer? These friggin thing`s have a tail light computer? Oh what next. what ever happened to a nice and simple switch that activates the light`s?

mikey00

Don't worry. That's just the converter used if you have the tow hitch wiring.

lexus114

Man,that makes me feel a lot better...........