Loose connection in tail lights?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by RefrigeratedVaporTrap, Jul 12, 2016.

  1. RefrigeratedVaporTrap

    RefrigeratedVaporTrap New Member

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    2013 Prius c, 59,xxx miles

    I was pulled over the other night for having my tail lights out.

    After investigating the issue in my driveway, it seems that tapping each tail light will make it light back up. Obviously that's not a real solution and they will surely go out again the next time I hit a bump of any kind.

    Has anyone run into this? Any idea the best way to fix it?
     
    #1 RefrigeratedVaporTrap, Jul 12, 2016
  2. Sean Nelson

    Sean Nelson Active Member

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    Step 1: Remove the bulbs, inspect for and clean any corrosion on the contact surfaces and re-insert them, wiggling them around as you insert them into the socket - just in case they're seated improperly.

    Step 2: If that doesn't work, replace the bulbs.

    If that still doesn't work then there may be a common cause such as a wiring issue.
     
    #2 Sean Nelson, Jul 12, 2016
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    also, check for moisture inside the lenses.
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 12, 2016
  4. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Intermittent bulbs can be a sign of imminent failure or corrosion. My front parking lights do this. Either way, replacement resolves the issue.
     
    #4 mmmodem, Jul 12, 2016
  5. RefrigeratedVaporTrap

    RefrigeratedVaporTrap New Member

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    Thanks for the replies guys. I'll take a better look sometime in the next few days.
     
    #5 RefrigeratedVaporTrap, Jul 13, 2016
  6. kndy

    kndy Member

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    I have had this problem before with my Toyota Corolla at around 68,000 miles and it was around 4 years old. Cop didn't write me a ticket but wanted to let me know that I needed to get it fix. It was pretty the light bulb had to be replaced and it fixed the problem.

    All the best!
     
    #6 kndy, Aug 11, 2016
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