Brake light not working (headlights, Lexus, Camry, 2006)

[nirvana07]

Hi,
The left brake light on my car is not working when the headlights are off. However, if the DRL or the headlights are turned on, the brake light works.

What could be wrong? I have changed the bulb already.

Camry 2006, LE

[Billy_J]

Switch the left bulb with the right bulb and see if the problem moves.

[Thegonagle]

My first guess is that you used the wrong bulb. If you put a single-filament bulb in a dual-filament socket, strange things will happen. You must use the exact same type of bulb.

Next guess is corrosion in the socket, wiring, or a connector. If corrosion occurs across two contacts, or if it attacks a ground wire, strange things can happen.

[Tennesseestorm]

Sounds like a bad "ground" connection. This was a common problem on the late 80s-mid 90s Camrys/Corollas. I had a Camry with this issue, as well as one of my Lexus LS400's (1991). When you had the light on and depressed brake, one of the lights would go out completely.