MK5 Gti Rear Centre / High Brake Light Not Working

[crimsonfin]

Hi guys

The rear middle brake light (the 3rd one in the spoiler) on my 06 GTI is no longer illuminating when braking but left/right brake lights are fine. 

MOT is due next week (typical) and from what I have read in various posts the fix is to simply replace the entire spoiler at the bargain cost of £400.  Please please please tell me that there is a simple fix for this ??

I've checked the fuse diagram in the owners manual but it doesnt mention this brake light (only the left & right).  It does mention a "rear brake switch" but im not sure if this is the right thing.

Anyone any ideas ?

cheers in advance

[bacillus]

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

[crimsonfin]

Thanks for that.  Did see the article previously but it looks a bit hairy to me.

Im more worried about having to pay £400 to get the car through its MOT just because 1 poxy brake light and a stinking bit of VW design. 

From what I read in the government regs http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/doitonline/bl/mottestingmanualsandguides/mottestingmanualsandguides.htm it appears that they only need to test the light if its actually connected.  Anyone know if its simple to disconnect the light ?

cheers

[ub7rm]

I think its a bit of a grey area to be honest, the mk5 got type approval based on it having a working 3rd brake light so really it needs to be working. 

In order to disconnect the plug you need to remove the brake light ...

It really isn't difficult to replace the light by breaking it out, it looks a primitive way of doing it but its easy.  Where abouts are you based?  If you're nearby I'd be happy to help 

[crimsonfin]

hi

thanks for the reply.  I've got it booked in on Thu for its 40k service so will see if they can do anything with it (without charging me hundreds of £££'s).  Failing that Im based in Dundee and would really appreciate your advice if you are local ?

cheers

[ub7rm]

I'm up in Aberdeen if you fancy a road trip 

The official VW way of doing is to take the spoiler off (and break it in the process) using cutting wire (invariably damaging the paint work of the tailgate) then spraying and bonding a new spoiler on the back. 

Anyone else will just break the fooker out.  The most difficult / risk bit is getting a crack started in the lens.  With hindsight what I would have done is drilled a few small holes in the lens to weaken it and get the trim tools in to break it out ...

[crimsonfin]

Aberdeen is definitely do-able 

Will wait and see what they say when it gets its service on Thu but im expecting the worst.  Would really appreciate your help if you wouldnt mind.  Is the only part that you bought the LED (Part No. 1K6 945 097F) ?

Cheers again

[ub7rm]

No worries, drop me a PM if you don't get any satisfaction with the garage (you need more than 10 posts before you can send PM's though).

Yeah that was all I bought - the VW parts desk will keep you right if the number has been superseeded.  They may also tell you that its impossible to change yourself - don't listen 

[VWjon]

VW garage "carefully" smashed out the old on and replaced with a new one, no spoiler coming off or anything. It was a warranty job though, so it saved their costs. None warranty they will probably want to do it the official way.

[moutains]

as far as mot is concerned on centre b/light led type at least 50% of leds must work or it fails {sorry}