Yaris 2008 ALL tail/brake lights not working, replaced fuse and bulb already

[mrgodai]

USA Yaris 2008 Sedan.

So it starts off with passenger tail/break light not working at all.

I replaced the bulbs in both of them and still off. I put it off for a month. Now I went to check, ALL the brake/tail light are not working! even the high one by the window. I checked and replaced TAIL and PANEL1 fuses and still no go.

From what I read it's probably a wiring problem.

How do I use a multi-meter to check? and is there a guide for where the wires are and what panels I need to take off to check them?

Thanks in advance.

[tmontague]

Set your multi meter to DC volts then find your wire loom that goes to the lights that are not working. Simplest way is to start at the lights and work back. You will eventually fine that they all merge into one loom. There should be connectors along the way, disconnect them and ground your negative lead to the body if the car that you know is s good ground. Then take your red lead and test the pins in the connector and you should fine one is 12v when its given its signal (ie: brakes applied or 4 ways put on).

When you get to the first point where there is no power, look at the wiring or the connectors and you will likely find the issue. This is a simple way if you dont have wiring diagrams, but it is not as accurate

[SirDigby]

i'm guessing it's the brake switch. or wiring to the brake switch. they are thin wires.

[dogsridewith]

Do any of the lights on the rear end of the car work?

[bob225]

Brake lights are a very simple circuit do your sidelights, 4 ways and directionals work ?

If so i would throw a brake light switch at it

[dogsridewith]

OP said tail lights also not working.

[Bart68]

Having the same problem, going to try and fix this morning.

[Bart68]

I have tried everything I can think of and had a shop look at it, it's not the headlight switch, I have pulled my interior completely looking for a short in the wires, replaced the
headlight switch and now I find Rockauto sells a parking light control module for these cars
so I'm going to PnP today to try and find one of those.

[Bart68]

Found it today, the wire was pinched from the factory on the left side tail light, it finally
wore through and that is what caused my short. So anyone else who may have this
problem check the tail lights first..