License Plate Bulb "Burned", Replaced with LED, Still Won't Work

Hey all,

A couple days ago I noticed that my drivers side license plate light wasn't working on my '17 Off road shortbed. I bought LED replacements, and when I went to change it out, the existing bulb/socket was charred. I replaced it anyways hoping for the best, but it's not working. I even took it out, turned it 180, and made sure it was pushed in all the way. Passenger side swapped fine and is working.

Seeing as how the truck has 23k miles, I'd assume the socket/harness, and possibly the discolored lens, should be replaced under warranty?

Easier way to fix other than going through the stealership?

Thanks in advance!

 

Warranty should cover it. If you take it in, put the stock bulbs back in.

 

Had same thing with my passenger side license plate bulb being out. Slight charred area in socket upon removal. Carefully cleaned with Q-tip/alcohol, then used a very small amount of dielectric grease and inserted new LED bulb..of course managed to lose some skin on my hand reaching up into that area, but new LEDs look great..

 

Yes! Same! My hands honestly look like they've been through a meat grinder. I used a crescent wrench to turn them to get them out, which was super easy, but getting them back in was nearly impossible. All of the plastic wasn't sharp enough to "cut", but sharp enough to scrape, scrape, scrape. And it's 20 degrees outside here in Madison, WI. Not ideal!

Thanks for the tips! If I get up the courage I'll give it a shot, but I might just have the stealership do it because the lens is also browned from how hot everything got. (I even tried to push in the "side clips" on the lens housing, but couldn't get them in far enough to push it out....

All in all, disappointing for a truck with 23K miles.

 

To test, you can use a multimeter, while the lights are on.

Have you checked the fuse?

You can get a really decent auto multimeter for about $25, and it will pay for itself in no time.

 

I have not. But the passenger side light does work.

 

Thanks, all. I gave the qtip/alcohol a shot, but it really didn't do anything... The entire socket is charred all the way to the base, almost into the harness. Will let Toyota pay for parts and labor. 23k miles, really?

Thanks, again.

 

It is a license plate light bulb and you have a warranty..... calm down and call the dealer.

 

Well that was a helpful post.

 

Around here people the dimmest, yellowest bulbs on the license plate...