navarretg

My 3rd brake light only works less than half of the time. I tried diagnosing the problem but couldn't figure anything out.

Is there a fuse or wiring that can be checked?

marcoguy

Found this on Edmunds website...see if your brake switch is defective. I would think that the cruise control may also not be working properly to shut off? and the other brake lights? ... and if you have an auto trans, that it may not release you out of Park?I do not have the 3rd stop wiring diagram to help here, but the symtoms sound the same. Good Luck

#8 of 34 2004 Acura TL Center Stop Light by nautique95 Aug 26, 2008 (5:19 pm) My stop light in the back window, only half lights up and it is kinda dim. I took the light out and put a battery across it and it was very bright and all of the LED's worked. So I measured the voltage on the connector in the car and it only read 7.8 Vdc on the connector with no light hooked up. I checked the ground and that was also OK. Has anyone had this problem and is it the Stop Light Switch that is at fault. If so where is it located. Thanks for you help.Mike

#18 of 34 Re: 2004 Acura TL Center Stop Light [nautique95] by 2tomcats Jul 08, 2009 (3:24 pm) Replying to: nautique95 (Aug 26, 2008 5:19 pm)

Mike: I have the exact same problem on my 2004 TL. When you press the brake, the high mount stop light in the rear window is dim, most of the time. If I start the car, ocassionally I can get it to go full brightness. I did a voltage check and when dim only 7 volts, when bright approx 13 volts. So I know the problem is not the light itself (all 16 LCDs work on bright - ocassionally). Did you find the cause of your problem? Thanks. Bill

#22 of 34 Re: 2004 Acura TL Center Stop Light [2tomcats] by 2tomcats Sep 26, 2009 (1:40 pm) Replying to: 2tomcats (Jul 08, 2009 3:24 pm)

I solved my high-mount brake light problem, The solution was to replace the brake light switch, which is located on the brake pedal. The switch was less than $7.00, which I purchased thru Rock Auto. The switch is made by Airtex, part number is 1S5785. It was very easy to install - total was about 10 minutes. Bottom line - the switch went bad. (P.S. Acura dealer wanted $109 to trouble shoot the problem and this fee would not be applied towards the actual fix.)

navarretg

Thank you! These are the same symptoms Im having. The only thing now is that I have to find a place that sells the switch and that can install it.

Do you think napa, advance auto, car quest would have it??

jokerman826

Im glad search works on this site, I have this exact same issue and now i know what to to do fix it .

ez12a

You can pick up the switch at a honda dealer for cheaper btw. If they dont have any, have an acura dealer price match them.

Proto TL

Don't go dealer. They will rip you off.

Autozone sells the switches. If you ask them, they will say TL switch is the green one, can't remember the part number they tried to have me buy for 31.99. DO NOT waste money buying the green one. Just get autozone part JA4411 for $8.99. Same exact part but is not colored green for "newer" vehicles. I call the Duralast who makes the part and they confirmed that both parts are exactly the same. Green was created as a way of getting more money for newer cars. Again, just get the all black part# JA4411 or $8.99. I just changed mine and it works perfect and easy to do. If you need a guide on how to change, look up up thread titles "2004 Acura TL 3rd brake light problem." There are instructions and pictures on there.

ez12a

the acura dealer i went to in san diego price matched acuraoemparts. walked out with the switch for 12 bucks.

The Autozone I went to quoted me over $20 for the new switch.