robfox14

Can anyone tell me why a lamp malfunction warning pops up shortly after I start my car? I've checked each lamp (high-low beams, fogs, tails, and signals) and all seem to work just fine. I'm stumped. Anyone else ever encounter this problem? I have made no modifications to any of the lamp assemblies. Come to think of it, I haven't checked the reverse lights yet, so that may be the cause. I'll check tonight after work and provide an update.

Thanks,

Rob

JapSpec

also check the license plate lights, trunk light, door lights etc
I believe a lot are connected to the same fuse as well

VIPclk320

I would say it's your brake light because ususally we step on the brake when we start the car.

mrizzo1963

Its almost always the lic light when you dont look at it . it happen twice to me

rjlawlor646

license plate light most likely

dlbehrns

the only bulbs that throw the code are on the exterior. I have been messin with LEDs all around and know for a fact. if you start the car and have not turned on the headlights or stepped on the brake to put it into gear does the warning come on or does it come on when you step on the brake? there's your sign.

VIPclk320

he is saying that he doesn't turn on any lights and he gets that error so if thats the case it's not the lic light because that only comes on with your parking lights. so the only two lights that can give you the error even without turning the lights on are the brake lights which are activated by the foot brake pedal or the reverse lights which are activated by the shifter R switch. i'm leaning more toward brake lights because as a habit many people step on the brake before starting the car specially because some cars wouldn't even start without doing that. so check your brake light and the reverse light. dlbehrns is absolutly correct.

robfox14

Thanks everyone for your help. I didn't event think to check the little license plate lights until I read the posts here. Sure enough, though, the bulb above the rear license plate (on the passenger's side) was burnt out. Unfortunately, I discovered that after all the auto shops were closed last night so I couldn't change it out, but I assume a new bulb will fix the warning message. Again, thanks everyone for your input.

Rob

dlbehrns

VIP, where does he say that? Just givin' you crap. Problem solved. "I love you man but you can't have my Bud Lite."

VIPclk320

lol,

"malfunction warning pops up shortly after I start my car" i assumed that he is not turning any lights on, so i guess i was wrong for guessing and he should have put shortly after i turn my light switch to the first step(parking lights) not shortly after i turn my car on.

I love you too man and i don't mean it in that way since we are both married. lol

dlbehrns

Damn. I thought there was a chance for me.

myworld

This was a helpful post. I just changed out both license plate bulbs. I Still have to find the other light that is out. One of my vanity lights was unplugged too. Went to Kragen Oriely and picked up the Sylvania 6418LL. The bulbs cost 4.99+ tax for 2. This was easy to do. Thank you for the info.

RickTheRuler727

I am having a similar problem, but mine comes on when I step on the brake. All the lights are working except the center light behind the rear glass is staying on when I turn on the headlights??? Any hints as to what this might be? I have two subs in the trunk, and I'm starting to think the vibration from the bass is causing problems??