Like everybody knows the third brake light on our cars will go bad eventually, well after procrastinating about replacing it for a while i finally had to do it after getting pulled over for that damn thing, being broke at the time and didn't want to wait for the replacement to come in the mail i found a solution that hopefully it will last a while.

First remove the damn thing and since i most definitely didn't want to take the back seat out i used the method (post #6)

https://g35driver.com/forums/lightin...ake-light.html

Using a soldering gun remove the cables from the board and UN-clip the LED assembly so you end up with just the clear casing, now go to your local auto part store and find a LED 12v running light just make sure that fits inside the third brake light empty casing (might wanna bring that with you).



Used any method you want to secure that new LED light inside the casing i used superglue and a couple of rubber blocks so it won't rattle specially if you have the Bose subwoofer like i do, now just connect the cables, test it and reinstall, done.

Edit: Btw the new LED only cost me $9 so yeah that's pretty cheap compared to the alternatives.





Hope this helps!

 

Cool idea, the mod will most likely move this to the audio video electronics section.

This is a nice cheap DIY way to get it done :P.

 

Very cool, great idea! Mine is still functioning, but if it ever dies out, this will be my repair method.

 

Thanks! yeah it is cheap i forgot to mention that i only paid $9 for the new LED!

 

This is the important part lol. There is a guy here who sells direct replacements for $57.

 

haha yep i just edited it

 

Actually the cheap way is to replace the diode on there with one with a higher rating.

Just use a 1N5404 diode (silver stripe the same side) in place of the factory diode. Available for $2 from radioshack.

 

Thanks for the tip i looked everywhere for a fast fix and couldn't find anything, i just needed something right away, I'll definitely get the diode and see if i can resurrect the old one

 

I had the info handy since I've got to replace my wife's diode. The whole assembly was replaced at a dealership about a year and a half ago.

 

Tks W-Naut! Question... how do I identify the diode? I pulled my LED assembly out about a year ago but can't remember exactly what it looked like. I have more guts than brains so I'll try to fix... can it be done with a simple soldering gun? Do I just soften the old diode contacts, remove and insert new diode wire and re-solder?? I appreciate any help or suggestions! Thank you!!!
-r

 

It is very simple .

 

Many thanks, Wrathernaut
You're a genius
I bought a diode from the local electrical store for $0.35 and removed the old one by just heating the solder at each end and then fitting the new one by bending the diode wires, cutting to length and inserting in holes
It worked perfectly