Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

My center mount brake light works sometimes, fully bright and sometimes dim, sometimes not at all. Two questions. Does anyone have a similar issue and know what the issue and fix is? Anyone know where to buy a new one? I've seen used on Ebay but not sure if it's fully functioning. Thanks for an assistance.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

:) I have seen posts listing the lights cut off, half work while the other half is OK, or are dim. I also heard the solder on the LED board does the same thing that the RCM does (crack and intermittently connect). If you take the LED assembly out check all the solder points on the circuit board. Use a good powerful magnifying glass. Sounds like you are having a connection problem. Test the supply at the light before you go further, you should have a strong system voltage (compare the batt voltage while running then use the same voltmeter and have someone hit the brakes and test the hot/ground at the LED assembly before it enters the LED assembly). I cannot tell you if you have a supply voltage 'dip' or a failing solder point(s) on the circuit board. Either way, you have to first remove that trim to get at the assembly and wiring. Good luck! :)


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Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

Thanks for the reply and suggestions. It seems weird they would all work, then not, then just be dim. Sounds like the solder points may be at issue, as you suggested. I'll also check the input leads but given I don't have issues with the other brake lights working consistently, I expect it's the light assembly. It'd be nice to just know getting a new light assembly would solve the issue because I'd rather not deal with resoldering, but I haven't found one yeet.


Thanks again.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

A new assembly would most likely be the answer as it is a common problem on the roadsters. Also I recall some time ago there was a posting about a company you can send it to and they will make it new again with their own components. A search may find it

James

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

Thanks James. The new one would be my preference. Just haven't found one yet. I did a search earlier but didn't come up with the "send" away option. I'll keep searching.


Paul

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

This fellow will repair yours and send it back. Reasonable rates compared to the price of a new unit.
Cadillac LED Replacement 3rd Brake Light, High Mounted Stop Lights, Third Brakelights For Escalade, Escalade EXT, LTZ, ESV, XLR, Seville, SLS, STS, Chrysler Crossfire, Lexus SC 300 400, Hummer H3

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

Thats the one! Thanks.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

:( I am not quite sure the information on that website is as accurate as it is. I was believing the CHMSL was 12v but their website says it is not in an ambiguous way. I believe I had 12v at the connector when I installed the blinky control. The blinky control operates off 12 volts (I tested it before opening my hatch assembly before installation with a spare 12v bulb), and it is advertised as 12v supply voltage necessary for its operation. Yes it is controlled by the ICM but the ICM sends 12v down the line to the CHMSL assembly. So, has anyone taken the brake lamp module apart to access those LED's on the circuit board?? The site leaves you to believe this module is a sealed unit with the circuit board access not available. If access to the circuit board is available, I would definitely attempt to 'reflow' solder to the LED array. The site listed does not post a set fee for this service so I would make sure a lot of specific questions were asked BEFORE sending the array (if you think you cannot repair any failing solder points). Good luck! :(


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Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

:) Does anyone have a few detailed close-up pictures of the coupe, roadster, and SRT-6 assemblies? I would like to peruse them, especially interested in the accessing of the circuit board(s) internal to each. This is just a curiosity I have, mine works fine just want to see what each looks like and if they are accessible for a repair if needed. :)


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Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

I have a spare roadster light, and I'm pretty good at figuring stuff out, but this unit has me stumped.
I tried GENTLY cutting, prying around the plastic and got scared and stopped.
( The reason I stopped is that this spare actually WORKS - I hooked it up for test when I was doing the blinky mod ).
I don't wish to destroy something that is working.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

Thanks to all for the replies and the info. A couple quick points in response.

First, while I think resoldering might work (because I know the lights work sometimes) it's near impossible to pry the plastic away because the light string is encased in the plastic. I too am afraid of braking it.
I'm sure someone familiar with doing these things may know how to do this better than I but I still think something will have to be broken or snapped off partially to fix it.
I have found some used ones and am investigating one now that says it has been "tested" so I may buy it but I can tell you thus far no new ones have been found in my search. I may contact the dealer to see what they suggest but unless they find a new one for a reasonable price, I'll just hope I get a good used one.
My last option is to break-off the plastic covering the strip (no holds barred) and try the resolder. If that doesn't work I'd just remove all the bulbs and wire and secure an new LED strip light set into the holding area of the assembly and hopefully it will still look as nice as the original (maybe better).

I'll post back after it's all over an done.

Thanks, Paul

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

:) Yeah I agree you sure do not want to break something that's functioning, been there done that! I read somewhere they guys that repair them actually cut the plastic away, repair the board, then cover/seal the unit back up. That's why I wanted to 'see' the assemblies. Given the access problem it would seem the best option is to send it out to those who have done them before, unless they delegate it to a $4.50 an hour kid from high school (LOL).. :)


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Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

I bought a used one off an 05 coupe out of Detroit. They said is was tested and I had them test it a gain before I purchased it. $35 with $25 shipping charge. Oh well, as long as it actually works I'll be good with it. I'll post back once I receive it and do the install. Fingers crossed.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

It was a faulty light. I bought one from a used parts supplier in Detroit. I just installed it and it's back to normal. Thank goodness. I hate having things not in working order. I bought it based on the fact that they tested it and all was in order. $35 plus $25 shipping.

Thanks for the help.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

Glad it worked out for you. Now send your defective one in for repair because you will need it in the future. James

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

Yeah, I've kept the old one and plan to get it repaired so I can have a spare. Hopefully I won't need it but I should expect I will.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

Glad it worked out. If you don't mind could you share the name of that used parts supplier in Detroit. Wondering if any dealers have them new.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

It was called Pacific Motors . Their email is info@pacific -motors.com Someone forwarded me a good site for used parts and this was one of the ones that listed a used light for sale. There are others as well. I bought from these guys because they said it was "Tested". They called me I asked them to retest it because it had been sitting on a parts shelf for several years. They did, sent it to me and all is good. Total cost was $60. On another thread someone said they found a new one from Chrysler for $175. I would have bought a new one but could find one. I'll check the other thread, get the link to the parts supplier listing and update this response shortly.

UPDATED: Here's the link to the used parts website. You can search by area / etc. http://car-part.com/ BTW, on the parts list, select "Third Brake Light" A long list will appear. Also, select years 2004 -2008. You'll need to make sure you look for a coupe or roadster depending on what car you have.

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

Thanks for the posts on this topic. I am about to embark on this repair for both the roadster and the srt...srt first since it doesn't light up at all, no left half on the roadster. Is there a mod to sequentialise the led's into a pattern like the old mercury cougars had??

Re: Center Mount Brake Light Gremlin
 

I haven't seen anyone on here indicate they have developed such a mod. However, there are those that have done the strobe mod. Pretty easy. Just install the kit in line prior to the plug in to the light and it works well.