weird Brake Light Problem

37313 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by fixit, May 29, 2020

kornbread

Discussion Starter · Mar 31, 2010

My 2 side brake lights aren't working, but my top brake light is. I've checked my bulbs, and I've checked my fuses, but for some reason, I'm just not getting power to my brake lights (I used a volt meter to test if there was any power coming through the line).

1-Where is the exact location of the fuses for the brake lights? I've checked all of the fuses that I can find, but I'm wondering if I'm missing it.
2-Assuming that my fuses are good and my bulbs are new, what else might it be?

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robaer

· #2 · Mar 31, 2010

Is it just the brakes... do the other lights in that housing work?

Which fuses have you checked (I believe there are 2 fuses related to brake lights... I researched that while installing my towing kit)

I don't recall if the bulbs are dual filament but in another vehicle I had a similar problem that turned out to be root cause (the bulb appeared ok to a volt meter but the second filament was burnt out and I didnt check it properly) You mention new bulbs so I assume that means you installed new ones and therefore not likely.

I had wiring diagrams but not on my current PC (replaced it recently and decided to not bring _everything_ back)... have to go diving into the archives to see if I can find them for you.

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supervan

· #3 · Mar 31, 2010

In my 05 LE the side brake lights are dual filament. I recently replaced one bulb where the parking filament was good but the other wasn't.

Ed

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kornbread

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 31, 2010

Thanks for the replies. I replaced the bulbs on one side of my Sienna, and just visually checked the other. I'll replace the other bulb to see if that might be the case.

If one of the bulbs burns out, does that mean that both lights won't work?

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94dlx

· #5 · Mar 31, 2010

Unlike some Christmas tree lights, your brake lights WILL work even if one burns out. It sounds like a fuse problem since no voltage is coming through to the light socket (assuming you have an assistant pushing the brakes while you check voltage at the socket). There are fuses under the steering wheel near the driver's knee area and also under the hood near the driver's side headlight. Usually, both bulbs don't go out at the same time so if neither works, you very likely have a fuse issue.

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kornbread

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 2, 2010

OK, so the time has come for me to man up and admit that I was being stupid. I had a broken tail light on the door of my van that I needed to replace. After pulling all of the paneling off to replace the light I realized that the brake lights weren't working. I ASSUMED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON THE REAR DOOR. Well, they aren't, and I'm sure many of you already know that. After I pulled the lights off of the side panels, and replaced the bulbs, everything works as planned.

The lesson is, don't assume. Looking in the right place makes all the difference.

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robo5

· #7 · Apr 4, 2010

kornbread said:
OK, so the time has come for me to man up and admit that I was being stupid. I had a broken tail light on the door of my van that I needed to replace. After pulling all of the paneling off to replace the light I realized that the brake lights weren't working. I ASSUMED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON THE REAR DOOR. Well, they aren't, and I'm sure many of you already know that. After I pulled the lights off of the side panels, and replaced the bulbs, everything works as planned.

The lesson is, don't assume. Looking in the right place makes all the difference.

No worries. We don't judge. We try to help out

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kkennelly

· #8 · Mar 20, 2016

I just had someone stop me on the road and said, "Hey buddy your right and left brake lights are out, but the top one works. I went into an AutoZone and told them I needed replacement bulbs. I got home and discovered that they sold me the wrong ones. I'm used to getting wrong parts, but not from AutoZone, they're usually great. Anyway, I went back and got the right type (round on the bottom with two silver contact points). I put in the new bulbs and the left worked fine, but the right one didn't. The one filament worked but nothing out of the other while my wife depressed the brake pedal. You can't put these bulbs in wrong because of the side pins are at different heights along the side. I decided to pull it back out brush if off and do another insert and twist to lock it in. This time it worked! I recommend paying close attention when putting them in. They'll stay in even if not fully set. Make sure to push in a twist until it stops. That's what worked for me. Good Luck!

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Rudy098

· #9 · May 31, 2017

What year is your Sienna? I have exactly the same problem (only the top one works), but looks like I have to replace the whole assembly and not just one bulb, I have a 2011 Sienna. Thanks!

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fixit

· #10 · May 29, 2020

Found this post all these years later. I had exact same problem with my 06 Sienna both rear side brake lights not working (only the 3rd top light works). I did think it odd since both sides went out at the same time or at least that's when I noticed it. First thought it may be wiring problem but all other lights worked (parking, reverse, blinker). Picked up 2 - dual filament bulbs at local auto shop for $9. easy fix and all is well.

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