license plate lights are not working

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Beachbummm, Jun 4, 2014.

  1. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    I got pulled over today and was told my tag lights are not working, I bought new bulbs at lunch and they still don't work, is there a fuse?
    If so what one and here would it be located.....
    Everything else seems to work fine, the only other light related problem is the steering wheel switches are very dim, the switch for dash lights is turned all the way up...

    Thanks
     
  2. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    SORRY ITS A 2004 BASE MODEL
     
  3. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    I tried replacing the bulbs and they still don't work.
    Is there a fuse for them? if so where is it ...thanks
    everything else seems to work.
     
  4. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    If only the license plate lights are out, and no others, then it is not a fuse problem. It could be a corroded chassis connection or other wire problem. The chassis ground is located inside at the back, under the removable floor pieces. You would then have to trace things out with a voltmeter to pin point the issue.
     
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The bulb should be bulb #168. You have to remove the inside hatch liner to get to it. That's the one you changed?
     
  6. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    yes, changed both, sockets look good,old bulbs look good...now im thinking there might be a broken wire where the wires go into the roof
     
  7. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    You need that little bulb to pass inspection. When you're at the dealer mid-inspection they can charge you $22 with a straight face.
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Does your rear wiper work?
     
  9. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    Possibly.

    The tail lights are on the same branch as the license plate bulbs until they split at junction block J31, which is inside near the gas fill door. So the problem is on the wire from there to the bulbs in question. I was wrong about the ground location. It is ground point B0, which is inside, right by the license plate. That is indeed the same ground used by the rear wiper.

    First thing is to locate that junction block, and check for 12V on the brown wires going to the bulbs. The problem is either there or at the ground point.
     

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  10. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    thanks will work on it this weekend
     
  11. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    yes wipers work, ty
     
  12. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    ty, im going to work on it this weekend
     
  13. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    theres no inspection where I am (florida) the cars here are held together with duct tape and prayer ;)
     
  14. h1kr

    h1kr New Member

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    Have you figured it out? I have the same problem with my 2011 Prius.
     
  15. Gino Veltri

    Gino Veltri Member

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    I have the same problem
     
  16. Gino Veltri

    Gino Veltri Member

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    Did you ever figure this out?