High Level Brake Light

[ub7rm]

I noticed tonight that the brake lights seemed to be flickering and further inspection revealed that 4 or so of the LED's are beefed and a couple are flickering in the spoiler brake light. 

I was counting myself quite lucky as there isn't any condensation in there but obviously something is amiss.  I know the VW approach is to remove the spoiler....I'm not keen on this from either a cost point of view or more importantly risking any damage in the process.

Does anyone know if its possible to replace the LED assembly without taking the spoiler off?

Out of interest to those who have had this done - have you any idea of cost?  I'm guessing most were done under warranty.  Sadly I'm out of warranty 

Finaly is it a legal requirement to have a high level brakelight or is two 'normal' ones enough?

[Fatty B]

if the high level brake light fitted it had to work for mot. these brake lights where the most stupid thing vw designed i have not come across anyone changing the led's in the brake light but have found a few that have ended up replacing the complete spolier trying to replace the high level brake light its a bodyshop job i think ub7rm

[ifti]

I dont think its a legal requirement, as you still get old cars on the road that dont have it......
Then again, it may be a legal requirement for all cars manufactured after a certain date.
Nevertheless, I would get it sorted TBH. It would bug me otherwise!

[ub7rm]

It does bug me, however I'm in super saver mode for my wedding next year and the £££ that a body shop job will most likely cost isn't really justifiable for the sake of a few LED's I can't see. 

What a crap design indeed!

[ub7rm]

OK bit of an update, the stealer wants £380 ish to replace the brake light, this includes a new spoiler and painting etc.

A reputable bodyshop wants about £170 but they want to reuse the existing spoiler.  When I pressed VW on why they wanted to replace the spoiler they were pretty vauge and said they needed to cut the old one off (which I knew) but couldn't offer any further explanation.  The quote from the other bodyshop indicated they were going to cut it off and reattach.

Have you chaps who have had it done get new spoilers or the old ones reused?

I've emailed VW UK about this, I'm not happy at potentialy spending £400 becuase of a badly designed light bulb.  They met the cost of window regs on mk4's that were out of warranty so I'm hoping they do the same for this. 

If that fails I think I'll be in touch with some of the consumer mags, they'll love VW charging £400 for a (jumped up) light bulb 

[neo66]

Not under warranty?

[ub7rm]

Not under warranty?

Early '05

[neo66]

Bugger!!!
Don't alot of these brake lights collect alot of water??, I've tried adjusting my washer jet but it wont budge!!

[ub7rm]

Yes it seems to be a common fault.  Ironically mine seems to be dry as a bone.... That or its full to the brim of water - but I don't think so.

[Fatty B]

the reason vw quoted you for the complete spolier and light is because this is the worst case and if they damage your old one then you wont be happy so they quote to fit a new one covering themselves. without warranty or full vw service history you stand not much chance in getting them to help you out i think but worth a try.