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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    West Coast USA
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    Default any way to reset bulb failure message?

    Any way to reset bulb failure message?
    I replaced bulb, bulb now lights, message (and warning light triangle) still there, despite several cycles of driving.
    Year 2001 vehicle.
    Last edited by rhauptschein; 04-24-2022 at 04:49 PM.
    09 Toyota Prius, Sprectra Blue
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Calgary, Alberta
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    Default

    The bulb warning systems usually work based on resistance.
    If the bulb you replaced has a silver base but the new one is brass then this can keep the warning. If the bulb wattage is different this can keep the warning.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
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    Sacramento, CA
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    165

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by rhauptschein View Post
    Any way to reset bulb failure message?
    I replaced bulb, bulb now lights, message (and warning light triangle) still there, despite several cycles of driving.
    Year 2001 vehicle.
    There's no reset and it doesn't require any drive cycles to clear. The way the bulb failure circuit works is current flow through a shunt, which is a low resistance resistor, and an expected voltage drop across the shunt. If there's no current or too little current through the shunt the voltage drop won't be what is expected and you'll get the bulb failure message. The message should go away as soon as the expected current flow and voltage drop is corrected. What is the message, which light is out?

    Some things to check
    Did you replace the bulb with the correct wattage bulb?
    Are there any other bulbs still out?
    In a dark area do you notice any difference in brightness between the same bulbs types (brake,tail,indicator) when comparing side to side? Any difference would indicate one side is resistive or wrong bulb type.
    What's the condition of the bulb socket, is the bulb socket in good shape and a good fit and are the contact clean?

    Just keep in mind, anything that stops or lowers the current through a monitored bulb (taillights, brake lights, indicator lights, low beams) will cause this message. Too low current can be caused by wrong bulb type, resistance in the sockets, relays or connectors (burnt or corroded).

  4. #4
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    Jan 2005
    Location
    West Coast USA
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    325

    Default

    If a new problem arises (unrelated to bulbs), will the message system allow the display of new problem, Or does current bulb message block new messages (as you said, it may block if a new bulb blows out)??
    09 Toyota Prius, Sprectra Blue
    01 Volvo V70XC, Ice Blue, 7-seater, built 4-01
    85 Ford Country Squire, Beige Woody, V8, ~79K mi [RIP]
    70 Chevy Malibu, Forest Green, V8 (ret)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Sacramento, CA
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by rhauptschein View Post
    If a new problem arises (unrelated to bulbs), will the message system allow the display of new problem, Or does current bulb message block new messages (as you said, it may block if a new bulb blows out)??
    I could be wrong but I seem to recall seeing a couple of messages once so I think the message system can store and display more than one message.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Canada: Calgary Alberta - Panorama Mountain BC - Pender Island BC
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    836

    Default Multiple messages

    Quote Originally Posted by FirstVolvo View Post
    I could be wrong but I seem to recall seeing a couple of messages once so I think the message system can store and display more than one message.
    Yes, it will show multiple messages. Per pesonal experience, the bulb message does not preclude other unrelated messages from appearing.
    '04 XC70 Canadian Premium and Sport packages, Black (425,000 kms)
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  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    West Coast USA
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    325

    Default

    turns out bulb was not installed correctly - had to be repositioned
    09 Toyota Prius, Sprectra Blue
    01 Volvo V70XC, Ice Blue, 7-seater, built 4-01
    85 Ford Country Squire, Beige Woody, V8, ~79K mi [RIP]
    70 Chevy Malibu, Forest Green, V8 (ret)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Virginia Beach
    Posts
    4,116

    Default

    As a note - first, thanks for the update. Next, I clean the socket with a wire brush before putting new bulbs in place. Corrosion can up the socket resistance to the point where the bulbs fail sooner and/or the warning message comes on as the car sees the wrong resistance in the circuit.
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Toronto, Canada
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    602

    Default

    I use a smear of conductive grease, or electrical contact grease, on bulbs and contacts. In my experience, it helps especially with rear lights.

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