MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: WILLZIE on May 18, 2013, 04:56:28 pm

Title: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: WILLZIE on May 18, 2013, 04:56:28 pm
Does anyone have any knowledge about the brake light in the spoiler not working when my two other brake lights work fine!?  :confused:
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: homesqueeze on May 18, 2013, 06:22:24 pm
If you're sure it's not just an electrical problem, then the light is probably knackered. It's a common problem (assuming you have a GTI) and I have been through it. It seems to be caused by water getting into the unit and slowly killing it over time. I replaced mine using this guide:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.0

 It is not actually intended to be done like this but if you go to VW they will want to replace the whole spoiler for about £400  :surprised: because the light is screwed in from the inside. It quite easy to do though and will only cost about £40 for the light unit  :happy2:
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: mk5-beast-91 on May 18, 2013, 06:40:24 pm
+1 for this guide. Took me about 10 mins to do. Very easy job and alot cheaper than getting vw to do it.
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: danishmkvgti on May 18, 2013, 07:00:09 pm
remember when you fit a new 3rd brake light, to prevent it from happening again, turn the sprinkler nozzle to 10 or 2 o'clock, away from 12 o'clock as it sprays directly up on the third brakelight getting it damp inside  :happy2:
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: will_15 on May 18, 2013, 09:41:54 pm
Mines just done this out of the blue as well, luckily a few weeks after MOT. Off to the dealers!
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: WILLZIE on May 18, 2013, 11:42:00 pm
excellent, cheers peeps!  :happy2:
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: pudding on October 23, 2019, 03:57:54 pm
Mines just done this out of the blue as well, luckily a few weeks after MOT. Off to the dealers!

I know it's an old thread but just for info for others, the 3rd brake light is not part of the MOT  :happy2:
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: danceswithhorses on October 25, 2019, 07:41:20 pm
Mines just done this out of the blue as well, luckily a few weeks after MOT. Off to the dealers!

I know it's an old thread but just for info for others, the 3rd brake light is not part of the MOT  :happy2:

Agreed, mine has passed 2 MOTs without 3rd break light
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: Mark_DF05 on October 26, 2019, 05:25:15 pm
Same here, always passes although I do plan to change it when I get chance
Title: Re: 3rd brake light not working!!..???
Post by: pudding on October 26, 2019, 06:51:46 pm
It's really easy.  Takes about 10 minutes  :happy2: