high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced

[Teutonic_Tamer]

OK, as per subject line, and from this earlier thread: http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=91342 - has anyone here actually had the 3rd high level brake light replaced (under warranty or otherwise)? 

Mine needs doing, and the stealer reckons the entire rear spoiler needs replacing too.  They say they can not separate the brake light from the spoiler - yet I'm sure it could be separated?  Are they telling me porkies? 

[joesgti]

i think it true, the brake light is bonded in or onto the spoiler, sorry i cant be more specific. 

[182_blue]

i heard it was a spoiler off job too, although im sure people have got it out by breaking it, im sure you would struggle to get a new one in though, whats wrong with yours ?, does it have water in it ?

[markymark]

Ive heard the same thing, they need to cut the spoiler off and replace the whole unit. Ive also heard that some people have been back more than once for this to be resolved!

[182_blue]

If its just water in i would leave it alone LOL, they could cause more damage than just water in it

[mrlapou]

This problem has come up many times.. Easiest way is to break the old light, then take it out.
Simply push the new unit in.

[neg]

Mine gets a little condensation in from time to time - I decided to leave it alone though as it might come back worse.

[bacillus]

This problem has come up many times.. Easiest way is to break the old light, then take it out.
Simply push the new unit in.

Having looked at ETKA at the dealer, the lens appears to be fastened to the spoiler by screws that are only accessible from the rear of the spoiler.

[182_blue]

found this

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!!

If you want to remove just the light, then the service manual says to put tape on the spoiler at the top, and use a "special" wedge (looks like a body filler plastic applicator) and tap it in with your hand until the light pops out. The light itself is a non serviceable LED assembly. I dare say breaking it will be costly.

If you want to remove the whole housing, you have to remove the spoiler which is glued on, good luck with that

[Teutonic_Tamer]

i heard it was a spoiler off job too, although im sure people have got it out by breaking it, im sure you would struggle to get a new one in though, whats wrong with yours ?, does it have water in it ?

It was really swimming in water, though it isn't as bad since I correctly adjusted the rear squirter to the 2 o'clock position rather that spraying straight upwards.