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General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: dieselwagen on May 21, 2008, 09:27:55 am

Title: brake light issue.
Post by: dieselwagen on May 21, 2008, 09:27:55 am

anyone encountered 3rd brake light problem on 1986 vw golf diesel?
two main brake lamps are o.k. but there seems to be no power reaching the    high mounted 3rd brake lamp.

any help / input is much appreciated. thanks

Title: brake light issue.
Post by: the caveman on May 21, 2008, 09:58:51 am

wire broken in the harness for the hatch.if i remember the passanger side.
I believe their may be a connector on one of the lamp sockets -don't remember which side but it should be obvious. It's a single wire and connector that plugs into the back of the socket.

Title: brake light issue.
Post by: duffer on May 21, 2008, 10:55:56 am

Yes, the caveman is absolutely
   right. The constant opening/closing
   of the hatch eventually weakens
   and breaks the wires.

   I had exactly your problem, so I pulled
   the hatch wiring harness and replaced
   all of the wires (brake light, wiper motor,
   defroster, license plate lights).

   Of course, eventually they'll go again.

Title: brake light issue.
Post by: dieselwagen on May 21, 2008, 01:05:56 pm

Quote from: "the caveman"

wire broken in the harness for the hatch.if i remember the passanger side.
I believe their may be a connector on one of the lamp sockets -don't remember which side but it should be obvious. It's a single wire and connector that plugs into the back of the socket.

thank you caveman, i found the connector on the passenger side. and like duffer stated, break in the hot wire is consistent with hatch movement. now the rear looks so pretty with all 3 brake lamps glowing. btw, california highway patrol pulled me over for not having 3rd lamp, all i got left to do is get them to sign off my fix-it ticket and $10.

THANKS A LOT GUYS.. :D  :D

Title: brake light issue.
Post by: Possum79 on May 21, 2008, 09:41:39 pm

Hmm I don't think they can technically ticket you for the third light being out. Whats the difference then say tinting the outside of the window. That would be legal. So if theres no light who cares as long as the two exterior lights work.

I would be all dude no. You can legally black out the rear window as long as you have two side mirrors. No difference then not having that one light.

Title: brake light issue.
Post by: zukgod1 on May 22, 2008, 07:28:06 am

If it's there and not working you can get a ticket for it as dieselwagen has discovered.

Now if he had just removed it problem solved but that 3rd light is a good thing..

Title: brake light issue.
Post by: dieselwagen on May 22, 2008, 07:37:09 am

Quote from: "Possum79"

Hmm I don't think they can technically ticket you for the third light being out. Whats the difference then say tinting the outside of the window. That would be legal. So if theres no light who cares as long as the two exterior lights work.

I would be all dude no. You can legally black out the rear window as long as you have two side mirrors. No difference then not having that one light.

dude, i did try to get technical with the peace officer about the ticket coz i felt he was nitpicking my car..and i dont think its worth the effort to contest a $10 ticket, i will simply consider it a one time donation in their coffee/donut fundraiser..so yesterday i was able to flag an officer while i was at work and got him to sign me off..thanks again everyone, this forum kicks ass. :D