Third brake light does not wotk

Tiny
HERRERAJR63
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
Third brake light does not work. Change bulb (old one was burnt out) still did not work. Checked fuses and they were good. Checked to see if there was power in socket using a voltage meter (should be twelve volts feeding line when brake pedal is pressed) did not get a reading. Using same meter I checked other brake lights (left and right) and did get a twelve volt reading.
Thursday, August 24th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,331 POSTS
The only thing between the brake light switch and all of the brake lights is the "Light Failure Sensor" in the left side of the trunk. Terminal number 1, a red wire, feeds the center brake light. Check for twelve volts on that wire right at the sensor. If it is there, that wire has a break in it. If the twelve volts is missing, suspect the sensor.
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
HERRERAJR63
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you, I will check it out. I am wondering why I did not get a brake light warning on my dash board?
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
HERRERAJR63
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Found sensor, checked red wire and there was a twelve volt reading. So is senior bad or is there a break in the line to the third light?
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
They had big problems with that sensor, if you open it up you will probably see a burnt connection where the sensor fails.

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
HERRERAJR63
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you. Funny that you say that. Once I took sensor out I shook it a little and heard a little rattling sound and I thought about opening it. Will advise of finding.
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,331 POSTS
If you are getting twelve volts on the red wire when you push the brake pedal, it should be good up to that point. That would suggest that wire is broken between that point and the bulb.
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 11:57 AM

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