I noticed a couple of days when my wife was backing our 2011 Clubman out of the driveway that the third brake light wasn't working. I did some troubleshooting today. First I removed the assembly and checked the voltage at the connector plug. With the brake pedal depressed I had 14 VDC, 0 VDC with the pedal released. Next I made up a test pigtail and plugged it into the light assembly wiring connector. I connected the other end of the test pigtail to a fully charged 12V battery and the light illuminated. I tried this a few times, sometimes the light illuminated brightly, other times dimly. I reinstalled the light assembly and got nothing with the brake pedal depressed.

I'm at a loss. I have good voltage at the connector, and the LEDs in the light assembly seem to be good. Does anyone have any insight as to what else may be causing the problem?

 

I had the same issue. Wife was following me one day, and she said my third light wasn’t working. Next day, I tested it and it worked fine. Following week, and it wasn’t working again. I ended up replacing it, and haven’t had an issue since.

Seems that hat the third light has a life span, and will start getting wonky, and needs to be replaced.

 

I was just searching for information relating to this problem I guess I have to change the assembly.

 

Its a very simple process, just don’t try to rush it.

Red:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/63257167413/

White:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/63252755613/

 

Did a quick search, and fcpeuro has the red one for the non sale price, might be worth it if it does go out again with their lifetime replacement, my clubby has the clear one and I’m sure it’s probably on its way out. Nik how many times have you replaced yours?

 

Just the once. Seems paranoid to buy one just for a backup. One thing I did do was to meticulously go over the back of the light with some silicone sealant to make it was sealed really well. My experience they like to let moisture into the assembly. I’m sure that contributes to the life span, or lack there of.

 

It does seem pointless to have a backup, but if replacing it a lifetime replacement might not be a bad ideal. This whole fcpeuro replacement thing really has me Intrigued, with someone like me that replaces plugs every year and would they get pissed and stop me at a point?

 

I just looked for a light on the fcpeuro site and couldn't find one.

 

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/min...er-63252755613

I would think that i shouldn't have to explain how to do this but here i go. I go to ECS tuning's website and i grab the manufacture part number, then I take that part number and search fcpeuro or google. Not rocket science at all, simple coping and pasting in a browser.

 

Thanks sir. I just went back to check again and it was checking for my saab. Lol I deleted it and the light popped up.

 

No problem, that’s how I found me brakes for 150 bucks cheaper than our vendors, sorry guys, but I was able to use that money saved to buy new plugs and the new seat. If you’re willing to hunt around, it’s amazing what you can save sometimes.

 

I'll start with realoem.com to find part numbers, then search to see who has the best pricing.

 

this works too, but there are just sometimes you don't have to have a part that says mini on it. Just a couple of examples oil filter and DV, i have found the same Pierburg or Purflux stuff for cheaper just doesn't have mini stamped on it somewhere.

 

Yeah, but we are talking third brake light here...

 

We match prices on genuine as long as you have the links. Contact our sales team and they can help on the order. Also i am here is you have install issues or anything.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/63252755613/

We have that here and in stock.

 

What about the red one I clicked on the link above for the red and it says doesn't fit my vehicle only the white one. Lol
I have the white one now which isn't working and want to try the red one.

 

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/63257167413/

Become familiar with realoem to find the correct part numbers. Once you have the part number, the compatibility listed on ECS doesn’t matter.

 

Thanks a lot once again..... I'm definitely going to do that.

 

Updated,

 

I'm contacting now for a order. Lol

 

Updated,

 

Completed

 

When you receive it from ECS (shouldn't take long... their shipping is fast when I have ordered!) and install it, post up a pic. I am thinking of going to the red high-mount brake light on my S also since it's Chili Red.

 

I'll definitely do that. I have been placing order with them for a while now.

 

My red 3rd brake light should be delivered according to the tracking info on wednesday .
should I put a light bead of silicone around the light to protect against the element.