Yaris Mk1 rear light not working, but brake lights working.

[AlastairRJM]

As title, my driver's side rear light doesn't appear to be working when I have my lights switched on, but brake lights still function perfectly fine.

I've tried looking through this forum and through the Haynes manual to see anything about it but I'm at a bit of a loss. I don't know if I'm misunderstanding the lighting set-up, but I think I'm correct in assuming that they are the same bulb, just at different intensities?

First car and only owned it for a month so apologies if this is a ridiculously stupid question.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Probably uses a twin filament bulb - one for the rear light and one for the brake light - and the filaments for the rear lights have blown. Eg.

Needs new a bulb.

[AlastairRJM]

Can't believe I missed that. Having a car for the first time really makes you learn things every day.

 

Thanks!

[flash22]

You may also want to check the Tail fuse

the rear bulb should be the common 380 type

[AlastairRJM]

Changed the bulbs, and still no luck. Also swapped the bulb holders around to check that wasn't the issue, and it's still the driver's side that's not working. I'll have a look at the fuse box shortly but, as it's only one side that isn't working, I'm guessing this means it's a wiring/corrosion issue?

[Parts-King]

Be careful, the rear lamp/stop lamb bulb is twin filament. The corresponding bulb holder also has two contacts in the base of the holder. The indicator bulb on the other hand is a single filament bulb and a single contact bulb holder, make sure you have the correct holder with the correct bulb. It is VERY common for those bulb holders to be knackered, the contacts in the base of the holder rust away, you might need new holders if there is any rust on the contacts

[flash22]

380 bulbs have parallel pins or offset in height you shouldn't able to get them wrong, check the contacts on the bulb and the ring around the socket, also unplug and plug the main connector a few times

don't rule out a bad bulb - because it's new doesn't mean it's good

[bathtub tom]

4 hours ago, flash22 said:

380 bulbs have parallel pins or offset in height you shouldn't able to get them wrong

Although you wouldn't believe it from the number of cars you see that obviously have.

[MikeSh]

2 hours ago, bathtub tom said:

Although you wouldn't believe it from the number of cars you see that obviously have.

Indeed. The design is not immune to a bit of force by people unaware of the offset pin design.

Not even remotely foolproof 😞

[corradovr6]

Check that the two spring contacts inside the bulb holder are the same length and not corroded. If you can get someone to press the brake, put a voltmeter across the terminals and see if you get a reading

Just to be sure, loosen the bulb and turn it 180 degrees and refit. Easy to fit it the wrong way even though the bulb pins help to reduce the risk