Tail Lamp Failure Sensor Box Bypass - Restoring Tail/Brake Lights

Electricalbeginner✓ Community Verified

Problem

The Tail Lamp Failure Sensor (yellow box located under the driver's side tail light) fails, causing tail lights and/or brake lights to stop working entirely. Replacement sensors from Toyota are expensive, and used units from junkyards frequently don't work either.

Tail lights not workingBrake lights not workingOrange 'Tail Lamp Failure' warning light on dashboard stays onFix-it tickets from law enforcement for non-functioning lightsMultiple replacement sensor boxes also fail

Root Cause

The Tail Lamp Failure Sensor box develops blown resistors or broken/cracked solder joints internally, interrupting the circuit that passes power through to the tail lights and brake lights. Water intrusion, age, and corrosion contribute to failure. Incorrectly installed 1157 bulbs (rotated 180 degrees) can also burn traces on the module.

Confidence

Moderate confidence — Multiple community members agreed on this solution

View Original Thread →Posted March 2013 on SupraForums.com