1990 Camry Tail Lights Don't Work???

[chiboi]

Hello Mike, I have checked the wires and they seem ok no frays or breaks. when replacing a fuse should i do it with the battery still connected or not? I dont know if the battery being connected is causing the fuse to burnout. Please let me know your thoughts

[Mike Gerber]

It's OK to replace the fuse with the battery connected.

Mike

[shalita02]

I'm currently having the same problem. My tail lights wont turn on but all the other lights work perfectly fine. I had a guy look at it and he fooled around with the wires in the back but couldnt fix the problem so he determined in was the headlight switch. So i got that replaced and that didnt fix the problem. Then he ended up finding the lamp failure moduel in the left side of the trunk which seemed to be what the problem was. So I purchased another one (used) and when he plugged it in, the lights came on but my break lights came on as well, then the box started to somke. I know the break lights arent suppose to also be on. So im guessing that the wires must be crossed or something which is whats causing the lamp failure box to smoke. Can someone please help me. How do I fix this problem???????????????????????????

[Joe W]

There is a danger in purchasing used parts. If you are dealing with a competent mechanic they will be able to verify proper wiring hook-up. If the wiring checks-out it might be worthwhile to purchase a new module...used electronics, especially with a history of failure, should be avoided at all cost!

[Mike Gerber]

shalita02,

Check the loom of wires inside the trunk by the driver's side trunk hinge. Open up that loom and look for frayed or broken wires. Repair what you find. Those wires are exposed to a lot of flexing over the years and do frey and break over time. A couple of them might be freyed to where the metal strands of a couple of wires are touching each other.

Mike