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Tail and license plate lights no longer illuminating

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by smslavin, Aug 1, 2017.

  1. Aug 1, 2017 at 4:42 PM
    #1
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    I was just swapping out the license plate bulbs for LEDs. When I turned the lights on to test the new bulbs, I noticed that neither the license plate bulbs nor taillights turned on. Headlights turned on although the fogs are not.

    I just had the topper installed last week and they added some wiring for the third brake light and interior topper dome light. I followed their harness and saw that they spliced into the driver's side taillight wiring.

    cOUERaZy7i-zZ46d0mBHJymuaL86X2Eg8AtDGyNQ_8d5212de37c3ad838d0436151145b0d9fff98c4e.jpg

    Turn signals still work as do the brake lights including the one on the topper. I'm sure this is standard practice for them but I'm surprised the LED Recons are not happy with it. I've checked all the fuses, including the new one in the pic, and none are blown unless there's one I've missed. Looking for ideas as I'm at a total loss. No need to drive in the dark tonight but tomorrow I will have to.

    No time to run over to the topper place tonight but I will tomorrow.
     
  2. Aug 1, 2017 at 4:53 PM
    #2
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Did you try switching polarity first?
     
    1UPPER, Law323, Areith762 and 2 others like this.
  3. Aug 1, 2017 at 5:04 PM
    #3
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    did not know about fuses under dash. Checking those now.

    Pulled LEDs and put back regular bulbs. Still nothing. Assuming blown fuse somewhere.
     
    joonbug[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Aug 1, 2017 at 5:30 PM
    #4
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    Found the other fuse box. No idea that was there. Thanks for the tip @RowdyRon.

    Taillight fuse was blown. Replaced and popped the LEDs back in. Everything is back on. New problem though. Passenger side license plate bulb looks like this.

    EimTC64A1y4OzQietocKu9Ujf1FQyezMxFPBgR4C_1fb61d07b4ab3afc07eefb8c3e726c7855f54f08.jpg

    I did not break it. Must have been that way when I picked the truck up. Any ideas on how to get that thing out of there?
     
  5. Aug 1, 2017 at 6:19 PM
    #5
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Not sure what I'm looking at in the pic, but you can stick your hand behind the bumper to get the license plate light out. Just twist it a quarter turn I believe and pull it out. Careful I believe it only turns one direction.
     
  6. Aug 1, 2017 at 7:39 PM
    #6
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    it's the bulb connector. somehow the end of it got destroyed. the out of focus white blob is the wiring harness. i can't get a grip on it to twist it out. is there a way to get at it from the other side?
     
  7. Aug 1, 2017 at 8:05 PM
    #7
    PMG

    PMG New Member

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    Smack a potato on it and twist?
     
  8. Aug 1, 2017 at 8:32 PM
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    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Pliers?
     
  9. Aug 2, 2017 at 4:27 AM
    #9
    payyourtoll

    payyourtoll New Member

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    use your teeth
     
    smslavin[OP] likes this.
  10. Aug 2, 2017 at 10:59 AM
    #10
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    Tried using my teeth. Couldn't fit my head up into the bumper. So, after a few rounds of expletives and one smashed knuckle from slipping pliers, I manage to get it out.

    9qmU9JFas52e4w_M-TiKPTMZJPhqI58Xl89NQVJ7_1b1128bc43faf6424c950417d3691737bac74986.jpg

    How the hell does that happen? The plug on the wire appears to be in perfect shape. Head scratcher for sure. Anyways, off to look for a new one.
     
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  11. Aug 2, 2017 at 1:17 PM
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    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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  12. Aug 6, 2017 at 7:04 AM
    #12
    motorswin

    motorswin Back the blue

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    what leds did you use? I have read some companies don't work with our trucks
     
  13. Aug 7, 2017 at 10:46 AM
    #13
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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  14. Aug 7, 2017 at 10:48 AM
    #14
    motorswin

    motorswin Back the blue

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    Sweet thanks
     
  15. Aug 10, 2017 at 2:58 PM
    #15
    JohnKoch12

    JohnKoch12 New Member

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    Another stupid question on similar topic. [New guy, first post, thanks for the help]. I have a 2014 Crew Max. My left tail light is out, right is working. Bulb is not the problem. Can't find burned out fuse under dash or in engine compartment. What should I do next? Thanks in advance.
     
  16. Aug 26, 2018 at 5:41 PM
    #16
    VAQuicksand

    VAQuicksand New Member

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    did you ever get this resolve?
     
  17. Mar 20, 2021 at 10:49 AM
    #17
    Mrjmm

    Mrjmm New Member

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    @rowdyron and smslaven I’m having the same issue after replacing the plate lights to led’s. I’m searching for the fuse panel under my dash drivers side but can’t seem to locate it. 2015 crew max Tundra
     
  18. Mar 20, 2021 at 12:36 PM
    #18
    Mrjmm

    Mrjmm New Member

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    Ahh found it ! Wow this was not even in a reasonable spot
    Lights work again .. Anyways thank you for the quick reply. Take care
     
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  19. Mar 20, 2021 at 12:38 PM
    #19
    Mrjmm

    Mrjmm New Member

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  20. Mar 20, 2021 at 12:39 PM
    #20
    Dalandshark

    Dalandshark Infected with 5G

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    Leds may require a larger fuse. I have had no problem with mine from ibrightstar on Amazon in my 4Runner or 2 Tundras.
     
  21. Mar 20, 2021 at 12:42 PM
    #21
    Mrjmm

    Mrjmm New Member

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    Thanks ! What was the amps you upgraded too ?
     
  22. Mar 20, 2021 at 3:39 PM
    #22
    Mrjmm

    Mrjmm New Member

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    Thank You!
     
  23. Mar 20, 2021 at 8:11 PM
    #23
    Dalandshark

    Dalandshark Infected with 5G

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    You are right. I did not put in a larger fuse. I should have said that some led’s draw higher amperage which can cause the fuse to blow. Unfortunately led kits have instructions say they may need a higher amp fuse. But, they shouldn’t recommend that for the very reason you stated.
     
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