Which fuse leads to the license plates lights?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Calvin Y., Mar 24, 2013.

  1. Calvin Y.

    Calvin Y. New Member

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    Guys, just wondering where is this fuse located? I noticed my license plates lights weren't turning on (of if ever). So i thought the original owner had blown or fuse or something and I want to check up on it. I know it's on the smaller fuse box as it won't make sense the fuse would be located onto the engine's big fuse box. Just hard to crawl under there for my size and want to know which one is it. I popped the little fuse box cover and it has a TAIL one but didn't pull out any fuse while I was down there. I would like to update them to LEDs if possible and anyone know the bulb type or size rather? Thanks for all the help in advance.
     
    #1 Calvin Y., Mar 24, 2013
  2. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    According to the owner's manual all of these functions are handled by the 10A "Tail" fuse: Headlight leveling system, parking lights, tail lights, license plate lights, front fog lights, side marker lights.

    It's possbile that both bulbs are blown. I believe slamming the hatch while the lights are on might shorten their life, since the filaments are weaker when hot.
     
    #2 css28, Mar 24, 2013
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  3. Calvin Y.

    Calvin Y. New Member

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    css28, thanks! I will pull that backcover tonight and see! Yeah if that's the case, it's not the fuse since all my other lights are working! Appreciate the quick reply!
     
    #3 Calvin Y., Mar 24, 2013
  4. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    You're just going to pop open the two little bulb access covers, right?
     
    #4 El Dobro, Mar 25, 2013
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  5. Calvin Y.

    Calvin Y. New Member

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    El Dobro, dont think i can just pop those lenses out right? i would have to pry the bottom of the latch plastics to reach from the inside. That is what I saw on a youtube video.
     
    #5 Calvin Y., Mar 25, 2013
  6. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    There's two 3"x4" covers on the inside of the hatch that you pop out to get to the license plate bulbs. I just wanted to be sure you know about them, many don't.
     
    #6 El Dobro, Mar 25, 2013
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  7. Calvin Y.

    Calvin Y. New Member

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    Oh wow, I will definitely have to check on that! I didn't get a chance to check them last night. THANK YOU for the tip! I hate removing entire panels and risking breaking the tabs (like the youtube video). Wish me luck and THANKS again (will use thank button too:))

    UPDATE: Thank you once again! Just pried off the 2 latches and removed my two faulty bulbs! Be careful not to just pry anywhere! there are SLOTS on the upper left corner of each latch! I couldn't see it and bent some plastic areas as I was trying to force it in an awkward area! if this is your first time doing it like myself, use a good lighted source to see the slots to pry!
     
    #7 Calvin Y., Mar 25, 2013
  8. MAK99

    MAK99 New Member

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    I'm trying to replace my license plate bulbs on my 2013 Prius. I have the 2 plastic panels off, but I can't get the bulb holders out.
    I saw instructions that said to turn them a 1/4 turn counter clockwise, but they just won't turn. I tried doing it with the wire plugged in, then tried with the wire removed. I tried to do it with out pushing or pulling first, then tried pushing, then pulling. I've done enough bulbs in other cars and never had this problem. Do you have any hints? Thanks!!
     
    #8 MAK99, Jan 7, 2020
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