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2005 Driver's side Brake Light out

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ukiltmybrutha, Nov 22, 2020.

  1. ukiltmybrutha

    ukiltmybrutha Member

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    My driver's side brake light is out. I noticed it when my wife pulled in. I quickly fiddled with the connection going into the brake light by removing the little cover. Now all of the lights work except for the upper LH LED.

    I read threads that were several years old and they all seemed to require replacement of the tail light assembly.

    Is this still true in 2020? Never know...it's a strange year. :)

    Also, just wondering why jiggling anything would allow all but one LED to work. Seems like it should either work or not.

    Thanks!
     
  2. PriusHead05

    PriusHead05 Member

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    Probably a loose connection inside the light itself. The brake light on the 2004 I had sometimes never lit, sometimes it lit. If you are handy, you probably could take the light apart and see if there is something loose on the board. But it is probably just easier to replace the assembly all together.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  3. ukiltmybrutha

    ukiltmybrutha Member

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    Thanks for this. Do you know if I am better off with an OEM assembly or if any of the ebay/amazon ones are good? Lots of reviews showing poor fit and gaps. I have been hosed a few times already with aftermarket headlights that lose their clearcoat in no time at all. I'd bet tail lights do the same.
     
  4. PriusHead05

    PriusHead05 Member

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    OEM is going to be more expensive than aftermarket. 1A Auto Parts has quality aftermarket parts at very reasonable prices. Good company.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  5. ukiltmybrutha

    ukiltmybrutha Member

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    Thanks, it seems that in this case they are selling Eagle Eyes which seems to be synonymous with sharp edges and a gap that can allow water in. I went with TYC 11-6154-00-1 aka 116154001. These are supposedly the only aftermarket ones that fit well. 90 bucks plus tax...a bit high compared to the $55 plus range but those all seem to be the Eagle Eyes. The TYC ones are NSF certified so I guess that shows some effort. I wouldn't be surprised if the clear comes off of these in no time still. Scary thought.
     
  6. PriusHead05

    PriusHead05 Member

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    If the clear coat does come off for some reason, you can spray a coat of clear coat on them or you can heat shrink a clear protective coating on them. Chrisfix on YouTube has some videos on how to restore your headlights and taillights (polishes and clear coats them).

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  7. ukiltmybrutha

    ukiltmybrutha Member

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    Yep, I have been clearing lights forever. I'd just rather avoid it because the results are unpredictable. Also, if the clear starts peeling, it is a hassle to remove all the clear with 600 and then graduate upwards. More recently I have been experiencing crows foot when painting headlights forcing me to sand down to 60 grit and leaving deep sanding scratches no matter how I graduate upwards.

    I didn't know about the heat shrinking a clear protective coating on them. That sounds more reliable actually. Thanks.
     
  8. PriusHead05

    PriusHead05 Member

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    They have the heat shrink plastic method on YouTube as well.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.