Problem with brake light.

[sporty87]

2010 SR5 4 Runner.
My rear left brake light is intermittent and Toyota says it is a common problem and you need to buy a whole tail light assembly. That is crazy. They bent something to get it to work but say I will need the whole Assembly. Can I just replace the bulb socket as I see that is separate from the housing?
Thanks

 

[flyrv9]

There have been threads on this in the past and most problems are caused by bad crimps in the wires that go to the plugs that connect to the tail light assy. some of those threads have pictures (or at least they did before the photobucket issue). I suppose it's worth a search to see if they can be of help.

You should be able to get to the connector and inspect and repair those connections. I would try that before replacing the assembly; which may not fix the issue as the crimps are on the connector and you would be plugging in the same connector to the new light assy. It's possible the light assy is bad; but I'd check the wiring first, due to the history of problems in that area.

One way to troubleshoot would be to remove the light assy to gain access to the connectors in back. Then wiggle the wires / connectors to see if you can recreate the issue. If so, you will know where the problem is and maybe which wire is bad.

 

[Nick B]

I had the same problem with my 2010 . I replaced the bulb socket ( $21.65 ) and it’s been fine ever since . 5 minutes max repair .

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Just replace bulb with some LED upgrades (thicker base, so they fit tighter). JDM ASTAR and LASFIT brands both have tighter fitting bulb bases than stock glass bulbs. I have both in use actively right now in my 4Runner.

How disappointing would it be if you bought the new socket and it was just as loose?


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[a47chuck]

UUUH! This sounds like a safety issue. "Known problem?" How long ago was this problem known? Why was there not even service bulletin or a recall?

Just for shits and giggles, I got a recall on my '71 Corolla 1600 for a problem with the automatic choke, which by the way, took a shit, I was tempted to bring it in even though I had modded it with two Weber 40mm DCOE side draft carbs.