1994 Sc400 Taillight Problem

[jimmykatyal]

We have a 1995 SC400 that we purchased a week or so ago. When we got it, the back tail lights were holding water and none of the tail-lights on either side would work. We changed all the bulbs. Well, everything worked except the tail lights.

the brake lights, front headlights, left right indicator lights all work..

the mechanic checked all the fuses. replaced the bulbs. the taillight bulbs are not getting enuf power, hence they are not coming on.

the mechanic suggests changing the switch. (as in the mechanism conected to the steering wheel that I control all my lights with).

im looking at probably 300$ (150$ for switch and 150$ for labor) i think.

im still a student and that is a hefty price for me..

anyone gone thru a similar probem? any suggestions?

where is the best place to buy the switch? from a lexus deaker?

u can email me at jimmykatyal@hotmail.com, manav_katyal@rediffmail.com, or call at 678-793-2969.

much appreciated..

[GuyTelefunken]

Sounds like there might be corrosion inside the tail lamp sockets. Take out the bulbs and inspect the contacts. They can be cleaned with a thin strip of fine sandpaper wrapped around the end of a screwdriver. They may also need to be bent slightly to make better contact with the bulbs.

I like to fill the sockets with some bulb grease (see the auto parts store) to keep the moisture out, after you get them working again. It is usually benificial to drill a few small (1/8 inch) holes in the bottom of the light to let any water that may enter the housing drain out. I can't tell you how many tail lights I've had to do this with over the years. In fact, I just did two yesterday.

You may have to activate the offending lights and wiggle the greased bulbs to get them in the best position after you clean the sockets.