I installed the GoMiniGo Third Brake Light PULSAR flashing brake light yesterday. While I was at it, I also installed the backup light kit (no more black plug in my bumper). Here is a movie of the result:

Movie Here

On the cabrio, you have to remove the tail lights for both installs. To do this you remove one nut that is accessible through the access panel as described in the instructions. There isn't much room for your hand or a wrench in there, so I recommend getting a 10mm stubby rachet head wrench at Sears. With that wrench tail light removal was very easy. Also, to insure that I didn't drop the wrench inside the body panel, I tied a piece of string to the wrench with the other end tied to the cable supporting the boot lid. I dropped the wrench a couple of time so this made for easy retrieval.

On the Pulsar install I felt like I was defusing a bomb on an episode of Mission Impossible because you have to cut some wires. The instructions are very clear though so you don't have to worry about blowing anything up!

Special thanks to Dave Royce who answered many questions before and during the install.

 

I have been thinking about that pulsar. Not only does it look cool, but it seems like a good safety add-on.

But I am a neophyte with carwork. The most I have done is install my vortex mirrors and add a glovebox tidy.

Do you think it is easy enough for me to tackle?

 

Looks Great!

 

Sure! I'm not great with this kind of stuff either and I did it!.

The hardest part is getting the tail light out. Once you do that the rest is easy. And with the right wrench the tail light removal is a lot easier too. Go to Sears and get a 10mm stubby, ratchet-head wrench to start.

I folded both the back seats down and crawled inside from the front so I could see what I was doing. Once you pull the little access panel off you'll see the nut you have to remove. After that there are two spring clips to release and the light just pops out.

Once you get the light out you can do the wiring from outside the car. You need to cut two wires (the instructions clearly tell you which ones) and it would be helpful to have a wire stripper (can get this at Sears too). Strip 1/8" off the end of each wire, stick them in four holes on the circuit board and tighten four small screws. Then you peel and stick the board and close everything up.

With the right tools it should take you about 1/2 hour.

You can do it!

 

Does the Pulsar flash each and every time you step on the brakes? I like the idea, but I'm in congested stop and go traffic a lot and I'm worried that the flashing could get annoying. To avoid that issue, there are systems where after flashing, it won't flash again until after 30 seconds has passed.

 

Yes, each time you apply the brakes the Pulsar flashes four times and then stays solid. In start-and-stop traffic I see that as a plus. More than once on the way home I have someone behind me in a Hummer doing the "blah blah blah" on their cell phone and they have nearly run right over me. With the top down I wouldn't have a chance. So maybe the flashing will get their attention.

 

I know this is the Cabrio section, but its the only place where this product has user postings.....

I have an 02 MC (non cab) and I installed the GoMiniGo Brake light pulsar. A great product, but if you own a Cooper with the sport package spoiler (the Cooper S has an opening in it's spolier) you are going to have a bit of work ahead of you to get your third brake light removed. Do a search for thrid brake light removal, and follow the steps.

You don't have to remove the spoiler, but you will need to have some brute strength to pull up on it to allow the brake light to slip out. Maybe a second person to assist would make the job easier. It may help to loosen the 11mm nuts on the underside, but the spoiler is also "glued" with some very strong foam backed tape of some sort. Be very careful when removing, as the brake light assembly is very delicate and may break. Also take care to not scratch up your painted spoiler.

The product works great! I have noticed over the few days since the install that other drivers DO back off faster! I also had Civic driver ask me how I was able to get the brake light to do that.

Thanks!

 

Great product!

 

For the Mini Cooper it works best to remove and install if two people work together. If each person uses one hand to push on the spoiler closest to the outside edge of the light. (Left and right sides) This gives enough room remove for the light to removed and reinstalled. I worked with a MC owner today and added the pulsar in 15 minutes. I also discovered that the light was leaking and had mold inside it as the red lens came off. I am taking the light to friends at my local dealer to show them the mold to get their thoughts on why this would have the ablity to trap water.

 

Cool!! Just ordered one! Thanks for the Heads-Up.
Jim