Q: Need to no how to bypass lamp failure sensor for tail & brake lights to work

asked by on September 21, 2016

I have no tail or brake lights due to a bad lamp failure sensor

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hello. Bypassing the lamp failure sensor involves locating the correct signal and ground wires and splicing them together to bypass the circuit. The actual cutting and splicing process is rather simple, however, you must make sure that the correct wires are spliced, or other malfunctions can occur. As the exact color and wire numbers are critically important to correctly bypassing the sensor, I would recommend you source wiring diagrams from either a dealership, or from a service manual for your vehicle. Consider consulting a certified technician to inspect the brake and taillight issues firsthand and guide you through a repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car will intermittently not start
You should check the starter relay in the distribution panel box behind the left headlight in the engine compartment. This relay will relay power from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. If you turn the ignition switch when the...
I hear a clink sound when I put my car in reverse
My guess is that you have a bad transmission mount or motor mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-do-engine-motor-mounts-last). You probably noticed this more when the engine is cold because the idle is higher. A trained professional, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able...
Difficult startup, engine loses power
For a more complete answer I would need a bit more information. Various components of the car can cause a difficult start up and not actually trigger a check engine light. The fuel pump, spark plugs, starter and Crank position...
Car Starts And It Shifts Gears , But Won't Reverse , And In Drive It Barley Goes And When It Does It Jumps And Jolts. Transmisson?
Hello there, the transmission being unable to shift into reverse is a common issue for vehicles as they age and increase in mileage. There are a few common causes for this malfunction. The most likely would be low transmission fluid...
2002 Nissan Pathfinder shuts off when idling
The symptoms you are explaining sound similar to the case of a clogged or faulted idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). If this valve clogs or fails in a near-closed position, the engine will be choked upon deceleration when the throttle...
PLEASE REPLY
It is difficult to predict. If it winds up in the fuel tank, it can just float around harmlessly. OR.. It can get caught up in the fuel level sensor and cause the float to hang up and give incorrect...
Warped rotors 2012 Ford Expedition
Hi there - to respond to your specific question, the answer is to use a higher temperature brake pad material (like a ceramic or carbon brake pad) - rather than a different rotor for your rather heavy vehicle. The brakes...
Front passenger airbag status light gets illuminated when I start the ignition and noone is seated on pessenger side. Please advis
It is normal for the passenger air bag off light to be on when no one is in the seat. This indicates the system is not activating the passenger air bag when no one is in seat. If someone is...
Chrysler 300 overheating, what's the cause and how much to repair. Fans are working and has coolant
Hello, thank you for writing in. It is impossible to give a proper quote without knowing exactly what is wrong with the vehicle. Overheating may be caused by a clog, a bad water pump, a failed thermostat, or more complex...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus HS 250h
Hybrids Hybrids have come a long way in the last few years, and the 2012 Lexus HS 250h is a prime example of just how much they’ve evolved. This sedan is quiet, composed and chock-full of high tech equipment. Key...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus LS
With With a four-generation legacy spanning a quarter of a century, the Lexus LS may not be the riskiest, most cutting-edge vehicle in its class but its devotees don’t mind – the reliability, near perfection of design, and pronounced bent...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Lexus LX 570
Despite Despite pressure on the automobile industry to produce more – and better – fuel-stingy options for the mass market, there remains a place for luxury SUVs that are neither size conscious nor gas conserving. The 570 stands firmly in...