I did the brake light mod that uses the upper, (fog), light as an additional brake light on my 03 MC about 2 years ago. Increased braking visability for only the cost of two diodes.

Recently reading a few post on the possiblility of this mod potentially causing an expensive electrical problem, I was concerned, even though the probability is probably very low.

Since LED bulbs have a much lower current draw that the standard 1156, (one contact point), bulbs, I went to my local AutoZone and picked up a package of two for $16.99. They are the same size as the 1156 bulbs they replace. Absolutely no modification is required to install them. I am happy to report the light from the LED's is at least as good as from the factory bulbs....and they look cool because you can see the individual little LED lights.

Removing the tailight assembly is easy and the only tool required is a 10 mm deep socket. There are a couple of clips on each tailight assembly that you need to push down on to release the light assembly and pull it out, (after unplugging the connector). There is one obvious clip to release to separate the bulb holder from the lense assembly.

I like the LED lights and no longer need to be worried about too much current draw causing a problem.

Not sure how they would be as fog lights, but since I don't have them that was a moot point.

 

cool, any picts?

 

A good idea...I've been thinking about doing this, too although I have had no problems. Thanks for the helpful info, res!!!

 

Great....what is the part number/model of the LED's you bought there. and white or red...they have diff sizes of 1056

to remove the light bulb assembly, do you need to use the 10mm socket or does it just unclip to expose the bulbs?

 

also, while I am at it, I suppose I should replace my simple wire jumpers with the diodes....do you know the specific diode I should buy at Radio Shack and which direction the diode should face?

 

You don't need to remove the whole light assembly to change the bulbs. The board that holds the bulbs unclips and pulls out. When re-installing the board, make sure that the wires are not trapped between the board and the light.

 

Right, I think I had the whole thing out before I realized this. I also took the tailight assembly to AutoZone and stuck the LED light through the hole to make sure it would fit before I spent my $16.99 for two of them. If you stuck your hand in and unclipped the bulb holder board you could replace the bulbs, probably without even unclipping the electrical connector. Something you might want to remember when you are removing the diodes and replacing the LED bulbs with the stock ones as you wait for the tow truck after the complete electrical failure caused by this mod.

If you want to pull the taillight it's an easy thing to do. After you see how easy it is you won't pay the dealer $100.00 to install your new clear tailights.

 

any help as to which type of LED from AutoZone fits in place of the 1056 bulb?

also...any idea which specific diode from radio Shack and which direction to be used in place of my plane old paper clip jumper?

Thanks

 

My AutoZone bulbs are Super-Bright RED LED 1156R, (not 1056), by JamStrait. Just noticed on the card they came in they also have a website: www.jamstrait.com

They weren't with the standard bulbs at AutoZone, I had to ask to find them.

Check this for all the information you need, including the diodes:

www.littlemini.us/technical/brakemod/index.asp

You'll like the LED's.

I haven't posted pictures because it's always tough for me to figure out how to post them....sorry.

 

I have done the Brake Light Mod to my MINI not to long ago, less then a year I would say. But I was wondering if I should be worried about the electrical problems others are having? Thanks for the help in advance.

 

I did mine in November 2002 and haven't had a problem with it.

 

Thank you Resmini!! Off to autozone/radio shack in the next day or two....except it is COLD out here in Mass.....gonna be chilly in my driveway!! oh well....

 

Ok Thanks, I'm not going to worry about it.

 

I doubt if it will ever be a problem. Although I did have this nagging, "what if", after I read about the possibility.

Now that I have the LED lights I like them better because they look a bit cooler and they come on a fraction of a second before the lower brake lights.

Surely not a must have, but, something to do for $16.99 that I find worthwhile.

 

Pretty tough here today, about 70 degrees. The highs for the next couple of days are suppose to be in the mid 70's.

Stay warm and have fun doing the brakelight mod.

 

well resmini, I did it...got the LED's from Autozone and the diodes...works great...very easy...it is cool how the LEDs light up a fractionof a second earlier than the other brake light bulbs, and a lil redder too....the hardest part was getting the brakelight/bulb holder assembly to snap back into place

it was cold...25 degrees...but a toasty warm 35 in my garage when I did this

 

Are any of these LED bulbs DOT approved?

 

Thanks for keeping me posted on your brake light mod and I'm glad you're pleased.

Did you just reach in and undo the bulb holder or did you remove the tailight assembly. Because I removed the assembly, dealing with the bulb holder was easier.

Good, cheap mod.

Record high for the date here a couple of days ago, 82 degrees.

 

I just reached in and pushed down on the lever that sticks out of the back of the assembly 2/3's up to release the whole back of the assembly that has the 3 bulbs...getting it to fit back in tho was tricky


and thank you so much for the updated weather report.....but it is supposed to be way up to 50 degrees here in two more weeks....has been too cold to give the car a good washing for a while now, so Umberto is looking forward to getting a good washing soon