Author Topic: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced  (Read 10174 times)

Offline Teutonic_Tamer

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #20 on: 30 September 2008, 12:01 »
TT, I just had my boot lid replaced after being rear ended. The body shop said that though the rear spoiler can be removed with a cutting wire all the adhesive has to be removed before replacement pads are first stuck to the spoiler it is considerably quicker to replace the spolier. The rear light screws in via the rear of the spoiler and WILL break if pulled from the front. So they advised, as it was an insurance job, to get a new spoiler, the adhesive took around 4 hours to set.

Dave N

Ahhh, OK, thanks for that.  That clears it up then.  :smiley:
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Offline Saint Steve

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #21 on: 30 September 2008, 12:07 »
if the unit is so well sealed, surely isnt it just excessive heat sweat from the roof spoiler as it does get quite hot and surely isnt there a depression in air presure whilst driving in certain weather conditions??

I cant see how a washer jet is causing this? we are talking tiny droplets that cant escape, not a fishbowl effect!  :smiley:

Im sure its just like the Xenon headlamp symtom but the rearbrake light has no way to breath unlike the xenon has.  :huh:
« Last Edit: 30 September 2008, 12:09 by Phil Mcavity »


Offline Teutonic_Tamer

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #22 on: 30 September 2008, 12:27 »
if the unit is so well sealed, surely isnt it just excessive heat sweat from the roof spoiler as it does get quite hot and surely isnt there a depression in air presure whilst driving in certain weather conditions??

But it isn't adequately sealed.  And on silver cars, they really get more than luke warm, even when parked in direct sunlight.

And we certainly don't get any kind of "formula 1" kind of aero effect from that tiny lip to cause any kind of depression!  :rolleyes:

I cant see how a washer jet is causing this? we are talking tiny droplets that cant escape, not a fishbowl effect!  :smiley:

The washer jets are being squirted straight at the lamp.  Try it for yourself.  Infact, put your hand in front of the squirter, and get someone else to work the washer lever.  There is quite some force there.  The same force which "pops up" the headlamp washers, and they have a serious spring to overcome!

And it was a fish bowl.  You could rock the car from side to side, and the water would literally slosh from end to end in the light!  :sick:

Im sure its just like the Xenon headlamp symtom but the rearbrake light has no way to breath unlike the xenon has.  :huh:

Nope.  Xenons generate considerably more heat than those tiny LEDs, and it is the change in temperature from the Xenon "bulb" which causes condensation inside headlamps.  :nerd:  :smug:
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Offline Saint Steve

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #23 on: 30 September 2008, 12:31 »
Sorry T_T, didnt realise you GIT had a fishbowl as a 2nd pet!!

Mine only has minor droplets and nothing Major and mine always has headed straight up when excited!  :wink:


Offline Hurdy

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #24 on: 30 September 2008, 18:41 »
TT, PM Tagnut. He had condensation in his high level brake light and had it replaced under warranty. I'm sure he said that the whole spoiler had to come off as I spoke to him at the Elsecar meet about it. :nerd:
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NewGolf

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #25 on: 30 September 2008, 19:24 »
Hi T_T,
Well this will add to the confusion! I had mine done under warranty about 2 months ago now. The car went in for this



And came out approx 2 hours later with the brake light replaced and dry. It looked a lot better, and completely dry, but wasn't "sitting in" properly on one side. I pushed it hard, and it sort of clipped itself in. It's been perfect since. i reckon they are now clip in. My GTI was new in March this year if it helps  :smiley:

Offline mad man gti

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #26 on: 30 September 2008, 19:31 »
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)?  :smiley:

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?  :undecided:
Mine is going in next week. full of mist. but reading this topic sounds like a bad idea. now cancelled. :undecided:

Offline k4ith

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #27 on: 30 September 2008, 19:55 »
I ams sure 'lsc' had problems with his rear light and had it done under warranty.
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Offline TagnuT

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #28 on: 30 September 2008, 22:02 »
TT, PM Tagnut. He had condensation in his high level brake light and had it replaced under warranty. I'm sure he said that the whole spoiler had to come off as I spoke to him at the Elsecar meet about it. :nerd:

Yep, your right there Hurdy. I had it done and its been fine since. The dealer had the car over night and they removed the whole rear spoiler. They then reseated the HLB light and rebonded it back on. The job was spot on with no damage to the car. :smiley:
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Offline Greenouse

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Re: high level 3rd brakelight - anyone had one replaced
« Reply #29 on: 01 October 2008, 09:48 »
As I have only ever used my rear screen wash once, (OCD thing about having frothy residue on the tailgate!! ) I suspect water is getting in from the top of the spolier where it's attached to the rear tailgate as after cleaning the brake light appears to have more condensation in it.
I had mine booked in to be done but when they mentioned scraping and replacing spoliers I chose not too bother. I'll probably get it done just before the warranty runs out.  :huh: