Installing new third brake light after tail
 

I'm (finally) having my Carrera tail repainted and am mounting it to the deck lid. We've disconnected and removed the old, lower third brake light and have a new one ready to go on.

The new, higher light has two sets of wires--one with a special fitting on the end (like a plug) and the other a couple of standard wires with hot shoes. The old light was connected only with the wires / hot shoes and didn't have the plug. What gives?:confused:

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Any advice from someone who's installed a Carrera tail and replaced the third brake light? (Yes, I read through a load of other posts about third brake lights. No joy.) Should I move the hot shoes to the wires and leave the plug disconnected? Is there some connector I haven't found? SmileWavy

Here's a picture of the car without the tail...I'll post later this weekend with the tail installed.

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Thanks,
David

No wiring guru or wing installer? Please help... SmileWavy

Brown is Ground
Blue is 12Volt
Black with Yellow is connected to the Brake Light Switch.

If you pull the passanger side plug from the engine compartment then remove the black insulation tape, you will see the Black/Yellow to tap into.

Plug it back in with insulation removed, using a volt tester/DVM check which line is the Brake Light 12 volt to tap into. Remove the bulb and that will be the one that does not trip the tester. (Funny thing is Bentley Manual does not show the Blueish line connected???)

If you need the diagram, I can email it to you via pdf, PM me.

Connect the Brown to a known good Ground.

I would just try the Black Yellow and Brown only.

I spliced an LED 3rd light with only the Black Yellow and Ground.

I suspect the 3-wire harness might parallel the brown and blue wires. Try this: With test wires, connect the blue wire to source voltage (12V). Then momentarily connect the brown wire to ground. The light should go ON. If it does, you're golden.

In addition, you should be able to disassemble the light housing and see for yourself where the wires terminate.

Another option is to consult the factory wiring diagram. In fact, that might be a first choice, just to be sure.

Sherwood

Thanks for the advice. I'll use the Bentley manual but was concerned about the specific diagram with the third brake light. I've found some errors in my book--don't know how that happens.

Draco--I'd appreciate the diagram you have if different than the Bentley. I'll send you a PM.

Here are the pictures I promised. Obviously the brake light isn't mounted, but I'm really pleased with the look. The shop matched the paint color--Cassis Red Metallic--very well and I can't see the difference. I also had a small dent repaired on the left rear quarter panel--just at the flare. They did a great job there too. If anyone needs a good bodyshop in Manassas, Virginia, I have a good recommendation.

David


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Sure looks nice! Esp. without that eyesore third brake light ruining it!

A little advise fill the voids around the mounting bosses with epoxy so they dont stress crack in 10 or 15 years.

Hey what about a chin spoiler to compliment/balance that Carrera tail? Nice colour.

I haven't told my wife that the chin spoiler is next...:rolleyes:

You probably shouldn't go over 80 or 90 with a tail and no chin spoiler. It can get sort of exciting when you find the nose moving six inches or more sideways at speed. It's not a cosmetics thing.

Also, repeat after me: "compliment" is to say something nice. "Complement" is to accompany or match something.

Practice: "Gee honey, I didn't realize it would be unsafe to not have a front spoiler. I just knew how you'd worry so I had to buy the chin spoiler for your sake."
p.s. It actually is unsafe without the chin spoiler at highway speeds.

Do you really want to install that light? It seems to spoil the car's lines...

jp

Is there a substitute for the factory 3rd brake light? For some reason, its shape reminds of the things from the movie, "War of the Worlds". Of course, YMMV. Perhaps something more subtle.

Sherwood

The light is sometimes referred to as the "E.T." light - resembling the head shape of the E.T. critter.

Nothing to add except I've got a Cassis Red Carrera too. Beautiful color!