Illuminated Dashboard Light (w/pics)

[(K)]

This is from a 2002 Gen 1.5 w/ 4 cyl. and standard trans. I haven't tampered with the lights (yet..hahaha), they're all stock as far as I know, as well as the rest of the car.

What is that? The obvious assumption would be the taillights are out, but I went back there and they all seem OK. Headlights seem fine too. It stops illuminating if I turn the light switch off then on again, but comes back on after a moment of driving.

Could it be loose wiring? I recently had my rear left assembly replaced but the dash light never came on until a few days ago.

Sorry for the blurry picture, I only had the cell phone on me at the time. For those that still can't make it out (and I don't blame you), it's a picture of the car from overhead with the tail lights on:

Something like that.

Unfortunately the dealer didn't supply me with an owner's manual so I can't really pinpoint the problem, for all I know it could be a number of things. I can't find a PDF file for the manual either and I'm not about to pay $40+ for something I should have received with the car. Just wondering if you nice folks could either help me with this issue if it's not too much trouble.

Thanks in advance.

[Fresco Bob]

It definitly means that a light in the rear of your car is out. Besides just the tail lights, did you also check to make sure both brake lights worked properly?

[cklinh]

Or reverse lights?

[rollaevo99]

that's neat!! oh you're almost empty you need gas...

[woa_its_j3ff]

one of your brake lights is out is what im guessing.

that's neat!! oh you're almost empty you need gas...

Lol

[Jon11582]

P-brake up.
Throw it in reverse.
Headlights on.
Hazards on.

Go behind and see if anythings out.

If not, you need a friend to step on the brake to see if any of your three brake lights is out.

[MCOjerry]

P-brake up.
Throw it in reverse.
Headlights on.
Hazards on.

Go behind and see if anythings out.

If not, you need a friend to step on the brake to see if any of your three brake lights is out.

Wow, I don't think my parking brake is stron enough to hold the car still while in gear...I have forgotten to take it off before, and the car moves a little. I'd be afraid to actually get out of the car!

[Jon11582]

P-brake up.
Throw it in reverse.
Headlights on.
Hazards on.

Go behind and see if anythings out.

If not, you need a friend to step on the brake to see if any of your three brake lights is out.

Wow, I don't think my parking brake is stron enough to hold the car still while in gear...I have forgotten to take it off before, and the car moves a little. I'd be afraid to actually get out of the car!

I actually do this with my car off, but you need to access the button by the shifter to shift it into reverse with the engine off.

An alternative is to turn your parking lights and hazards on and see if anythings out in the back. If not, then get the friend to throw it in reverse and hold the brake down. This will take care of all the remaining lights.

The idea is to get all four sets of lights lit - Parking lights, Brake lights, Reverse lights, and turning lights.

[(K)]

I backed up towards a wall (not really touching it) and put it in reverse/brake/etc. Right stop light is dim...Then put the key to "accessory" and put it in reverse also, THEN had a wal mart employee look at it too haha, right brake is dim haha.

Thanks for everything guys.

[krook]

brake light is out. change the bulbs. simple

[ozone]

You're all close, but no cigar. Back up to a storefront that has a large window and go through all of the various light settings. You can see the reflection in the window, much better than a wall. Works for the front too.

[Nyyankees3511]

You can actually put the car in reverse by the turning the key past the acc position once. Good luck.

[SpeedySolara]

If you havent solved the problem it should be simply you need a new bulb. The reason why you saw the light still on is because the rear bulbs ave 2 wires inside the bulb. The brighter wire is for the brakes and the other is the one thats always on.

IN SHORT>>>YOU NEED A NEW BULB....THATS ALL.

HOPEFULLY!