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Reading the Chevy white back lights reminded me of this...
In the early 2000s, many Toyotas had a safety feature where when the brakes were first applied and for about 5-10 seconds, the center 3rd brake light would quickly flash in order to help get the attention of the car behind... it works, because I sure have noticed them. Seems like NOT all had this and wondering first of all if it was dealer installed or optional from the factory, or? Last one I noticed with it the other day was about a 2003-04 4-Runner.
The newest Toyotas dont seem to have it anymore and wondering why it was discontinued... seemed like a good idea!
If you saw flashing brake lights, Toyota didn't deliver the car here equipped like that. It was either a gray market car or an aftermarket modification. Federal regulations require steady-state brake lights, effectively banning the flashing and/or progressive brake lighting you sometimes see in other markets.
It was probably a warning light letting trailing cars know the spare tire has rotted off the truck and is about to make a special guest appearance through your windshield or radiator. hehehe
I don't think it's a Toyota item, but it might be that the Toyota dealership has a relationship with the after market supplier to install the system. I do know what you're talking about, but the only company to deliver them was Kia with the original Sportage SUV in the 90s, IIRC.
I know someone who has this system on a BMW and a Volvo, both of which were installed by an after market shop.
ETA: And, my relative with said vehicles (yes, I can admit that, and I did not recommend the lights) also has the reverse lights that emit beeps as the vehicles move.
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
Don't recall the brands or models, but recall seeing those flashing 3rd lights, and IMHO they were terribly very extremely annoying, where I actually wanted to hit the fricking vehicle!
Thanks. Well, there must be alot of gray market early 2000s Toyotas around here, because I see several with this flashing 3rd brake light.
Camrys, 4-Runners, Avalons, Siennas, Tundras, etc.
Never seen one on any make or model in the U.S. In fact I wouldn't have even known about flashing or progressive brake lighting had I not seen it on test drives filmed in Europe.
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