Help - TF boot lid brake light replacement

[mgtfnut]

MoT test tomorrow, so checked everything at the weekend, all seemed ok.

Just now, decided to check lights again, as anxious fusspot , and half the leds light up. Just ordered a new replacement from Rimmers - £129

I've never had to do this before, looks like you have to prise out of the bodywork against the paint - or are there any tricks to remove without potential paint damage?

[nigelandjo]

If I remember correctly (and am not confused with an F) you can push the led strip out from behind. Release the cable grommet and push a thin screwdriver through the hole.

[mgtfnut]

Yes, thanks, just found that out myself using a torch in the dark.
Not done any poking yet, will leave that part when the new light unit arrives.

Meanwhile, MoT failure looks certain tomorrow, perhaps an advisory as the part is on order

[Charless]

Probably a bit late now Jerry, but if it is of similar construction to the F - it looks it - you can disassemble it and replace the individual bulbs/clean up their contacts.

[Steve White]

Another option is to remove the centre brake light before the test as they are not a legal requirement.

Sent from my SM-M315F using Tapatalk

[mgtfnut]

Probably a bit late now Jerry, but if it is of similar construction to the F - it looks it - you can disassemble it and replace the individual bulbs/clean up their contacts.

Unfortunately the TF lights are leds in a sealed, glued unit - they lasted for 20 years but were very brittle and shattered despite very careful wiggling (technical term)

[mgtfnut]

Another option is to remove the centre brake light before the test as they are not a legal requirement.

Sent from my SM-M315F using Tapatalk

Thanks Steve, it was getting dark, food was calling and starting to rain.
Anyway, passed with advisory: Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working [4.3.1(a) (ii)]

Old light out, thanks Nigel, dosed all visible lapping panels visible with my fluid of choice, Dinitrol, and now waiting for new light unit hopefully coming tomorrow.

[nigelandjo]

Jerry ~ that's good news. A sensible MOT tester! Fitting is as Haynes would say "reverse of dismantling".

[RobboMC]

Probably a bit late now Jerry, but if it is of similar construction to the F - it looks it - you can disassemble it and replace the individual bulbs/clean up their contacts.

I have this same ongoing issue, I replace the bulbs and wiggle the contacts into action, 3 days later after a few bumps on the road they stop working again.

Looks like after 22 years the only answer will be a full replacement.

It might only be an advisory, but with a small car in the traffic you need all the lights you can get.

[mgtfnut]

It all went a bit wrong today

New light showed two lots of three leds, in different locations to the old unit. Looked like low voltage feed, so checked feed to the lights, +/- 7 volts !! Panic now so stripped the loom of trunking and sticky tape all the way back to the main loom. Using a pin to pierce the insulation, still 7 volts ish.

Then decided to check the rear light cluster - 7 volts for brake lights. All other functions were full voltage and earths were all good.

Then checked the brake light switch, 12v feed, 7 volts out Then remembered back in 2009, it failed the test because of brake light failure. I had checked the brake lights the night before and were ok. A quick jiggle of the switch and took the car back the same day to get a "pass". I replaced the switch that week.

So, 7 years from new, and again 13 years later All in all a catalogue of mistakes and £129 lighter. Further, the original light worked perfectly on 12v, although now in several pieces

[Reckless Rat]

Bugger!

[EllsoJo]

mgtfnut said:"Then checked the brake light switch, 12v feed, 7 volts out Then remembered back in 2009, it failed the test because of brake light failure. I had checked the brake lights the night before and were ok. A quick jiggle of the switch and took the car back the same day to get a "pass". I replaced the switch that week.

So, 7 years from new, and again 13 years later All in all a catalogue of mistakes and £129 lighter. Further, the original light worked perfectly on 12v, although now in several pieces "

I am glad I read all of this thread, and so will anyone else who does a search on Brake Light Problems.

This is a perfect example of the value (£129 and a lot of grief in this case!) of these forums!

Many thanks to mgtfnut and all contributors