Tail Light Assembly

Hello,

I have a 2013 Toyota Tacoma and I am replacing the tail light assembly on the right side and when I turn on the blinker it blinks really fast and the blinker does not come on but the middle section blinks pretty fast. I was told to check the front blinker and it works fine. I replaced the bulb and that did not help. According to what I saw on the Internet it could be a bulb issue which I already tried. Does anyone have any ideas.

 

The reason you have a fast flash is that you have a bulb problem. When a bulb goes out, the circuit has less resistance. This lower resistance is detected and the flasher goes to a fast flash mode (sometimes called hyper flash) to tell you that you have a problem. (If it didn't and a bulb went out, you'd never notice it.)

I'm assuming that with a 2013, you have non-LED tail lights and the turn signal uses a 3157 bulb. Are you sure you have the correct bulb and that it's seated properly in the socket? Better yet, since you replaced the housing, are you sure you haven't swapped the running light with the turn signal? (Try turning on the running lights and see what happens.)

 

You mentioned that the middle section was blinking really fast, is it possible you plugged the blinker cable into the brake light assembly? It would explain why the brake lights were hyper flashing as they are LED. The middle section should have 4 wires and the top blinker should have 2 if I recall correctly, I have a 2007 with the old lights but I figure the wiring should be the same

 

That's exactly what I was suggesting.

 

I’m not as familiar with the new version OEM lights but I thought they still had a regular flashing single bulb like the old ones and the redesign was just of the brake and running lights. The middle section shouldn’t blink right?

 

The late model 2nd gen taillights are LED brake and incandescent turn/reverse bulbs. My guess is the wiring is incorrect on the harness for the new taillight.

Is the replacement taillight an OEM unit @jobinseattle?

 

I have a 2014 TRD Sport and it has LED tail (running) lights. The backup and turn signal bulbs are incandescent. I'm pretty sure the 2013's did not have LEDs, but I could be wrong. I looked up a 2013 on the Phillips Bulb Finder site and it looks like he's got 3157's in most of the tail light positions. But, if he's got a burned out bulb in the wrong location, he'd get the hyper flash. Let's see what he says.

 

2012-2015 have the same lighting

 

they changed to led brake lights in 09

 

Yep. And I've only had mine off once yet, but IIRC the LED part has a harness with a wedge base just like a 3157, probably so the rest of the taillight harness fits either style. And OP's LED pigtail is plugged in where the turn signal bulb belongs, as has been mentioned.

I'd hazard a guess his right turn signal bulb will work fine when he hits the brakes, too...

 

I checked the bulb and it is a 3157AK, this morning I turned on the headlights and running lights and they both work as they should. I then left the headlights on as well as the running lights and turned on the right blinker with the same result.

 

There appeared to be only one connection for the wires and it plugs only one way (I looked). I will look again after work today.

 

I am pretty sure it is a replacement.

 

Hmmm, an after market replacement. Quality is hit and miss on those. First, check to see if you wired it correctly. If you do and it still gives you the hyper flash, I'd suspect a defective unit. You might be better off getting a used OEM housing. Plenty available out there.

 

I bought it at O'reilly's. I spent almost $200 on it. Sure would hate to buy another one.

 

I'd be willing to bet you can buy a used OEM unit in great shape for less than that. But, let's see if it's defective first. They should warranty it if it is.

 

I suppose I can take it back and they can test right?

 

Unfortunately, they have no way of testing it in the store. You could explain the problem you're having and see if they'll get you another one to try.

 

$200?!? Return the defective aftermarket taillamp, and buy a brand new OEM tail for $150 instead...

https://www.oempartworld.com/oem-parts/toyota-tail-lamp-assembly-8155004160?c

If that link doesn't work, enter p/n #81550-04160

For future reference, RockAuto sells that TYC brand LED tails for $80/ea. So either way, it would behoove you to return that defective one to O'Reilly's.

 

Since it was under warranty O'reilly's just replaced it. I pick up tomorrow. I learned my lesson about using other places offering automotive supplies.