Hello all,

Since the brake lights on our TLs are LED I've been thinking about their life and what will happen if/when they die.

I've already come across TLs in the wild with broken "cells" in their brake lights, especially the third brake light.

Are these lights user serviceable? How do we replace them?

Thanks!

 

Third brake light is almost always fixed by replacing the brake switch sensor.

Brake LED in the tail lights is fixed by replacing with new LED boards or soldering.

 

Oh so the top light, even when individual "circles" have gone out, that's just a result of the brake switch?

Where can we get those boards? The TL is 11+ years old now, so I'm just curious about part availability as time goes on.

 

For most people LED lights in their car will last for the life of the vehicle because as long as one LED is still working then the lamp is still in compliance with the law so, technically no need to be replace.

The third brake light is not even a required lamp by law- at least in my State. Third brake lamp is a recommened lamp.

To answer your question, most people will just replace the whole lamp assembly.

 

Correct. People buy new third brake lights which cost a lot of money, just to have the same problem happen and realize its just the brake switch which costs $20 max.

LED boards can still be purchased (for a lot of money around $125 each) at the dealership.
Most people will buy them used for a good price like $60-$100 for the pair.

 

You can buy the tail light boards online at acuraoemparts.com. The left (drivers) board part number is: 33552-SEP-A01. This board was $122 in August 2015.

What I found was one of the wires for taillight broke instead of the board being bad. Now I have a spare board whenever it should burn out.

 

Been wondering this myself. The top row of led's in the passenger side tail light on my 04 flashes when the headlights are on and I am braking. Friends who have followed me says it has a mind of its own. Was thinking about picking up a pair of used tail lights I saw on craigslist.

 

I have failed inspection in MO due to a couple of cells being out in the 3rd brake light. Lucky for me, I was still under warranty and the dealer took care of replacing it.

 

I believe they did you wrong. The third brake light is optional in MO.

MO inspection does not require a third brake light.

However, they may get you on maintaining an existing light if that's Statue or Regulation in writing. The work around then would be to remove the third brake light for the inspection.

Also note that there's no requirement for all individual LED lights to work in a cell.

Just 2 tail lights visible from 500 ft when reqired and brake lights in good working order.

Good Working Order - Open to interpretation... specifically, is it visible?

MO Equipment Inspection Requirements









Third Brake Light "May" (Not required)

 

I agree they went a bit far...but it is difficult to argue when it is up to the discretion of the inspection person. He was holding his ground on "as originally installed by the manufacturer" and "all lamps must be on or off". He wasn't wrong...nor was he 100% correct. Not all inspectors are that strict...but some are. He had nothing to gain by failing me since his shop couldn't repair it in the first place. I just took it back to the dealer and made them fix it and then get me an updated inspection slip.

There are plenty of shops that check that you have brakes, some tread on your tires, and your headlights work and call it good.









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You guys use the brakes?

 

Most of us are automatics, no other choice

 

 

^^

 

He is wrong. He is making shit up.

1. Statutory Law says "2 rear lights" not "2 original rear lights".

Ie. I can install a trailer light in place of the original light and still be in compliance. As long as I have 2 rear lights.

2. Third light is not required.

3. The light still works on and off. All three lights are working. No violation.

If you take him to court, you would win. You're in compliance with Statutory Law and MO's list of required "Equipment Needed" (Page 93).

Next time ask them to show you documentation in writing where does it say that (violation or the Statutory Section number along with the description). Without the Section Number or official documentation then it is their opinion and not law.

Sorry for the rant. Duf!

 

LOL, BRAKES MY ASS! I'M GOING V-TECH BABY!

Seriously, you guys need to know this so you don't get taken advantage of.

 

He may be wrong and making it up...but he still holds the key to me getting my plates renewed.

Wasn't worth the battle...and besides...I can't stand when all the lights don't work.

 

My third brake light was intermittent. I replaced the switch. Works 100% now