I own a 1998 Toyota Avalon 3.0L V6. I recently had the "Rear Light Failure Warning Light" come on & I noticed the stop light was burned out. This is the light that is not in the trunk but on the rear of the body. I replaced the bulb last Saturday, which I've done a couple times over the years that I've owned the vehicle, and the warning light no longer came on. I had no problems as I drove the car the following day (Sunday) but as I turned on my lights Monday morning to go to work, the warning light came on right away indicating a tail light problem. As I reviewed the vehicle, I noticed it was the same bulb I just replace - however, the brake light does work when the brake is depressed. Is this a bulb issue, a wiring issue, a fuse issue (I haven't checked the fuses) or something else? I hope someone is able to help before I have to take it to my dealer.

kirk