High brake light

[Newbieintown]

Hi guys my high light brake light has stopped working, my MOT is next Friday will it fail on this? If so is a bitch to change? Thanks

[coolhandluke]

No it won't fail .
Bit messy to replace as the old one needs to be broken up to be removed.
Search YouTube for a few vids shown how it's done.

[GTIEagles]

Before ripping the old one out I would recommend checking the tailgate wiring loom (left side) to make sure there are no broken wires.

[neilw]

My wifes Beetle failed for this not working, their argument was if it was on the car it had to be working. Looking into it they should have passed it. So I returned the car for a retest with a hole in the boot covered with gaffer tape, and fixed it a few days later.

[Juliand]

Has this altered in any way with the recent new MOT regime?

[Newbieintown]

I popped to the MOT centre and they showed me the system, and as long as it isn’t connected then it will won’t fail. I shall have a look into the wiring on the car.

[BigstickytoffeeGTI30]

Won't fail. Easy enough fix drilling out the light, a bit scary though to begin with! Need a big push to click the new one into place.

[99hagued]

As a tester I can tell you if it’s fitted and connected it has to work, so just tell the tester it isn’t connected before he does the test and it will pass👍

[Juliand]

As a tester I can tell you if it’s fitted and connected it has to work, so just tell the tester it isn’t connected before he does the test and it will pass👍

Thanks for clarifying this - so many automotive myths go around, so its helpful to hear it from someone who's actually doing the testing - cheers.

Out of interest, what kind of issues are cropping up under the new MOT regime?

[99hagued]

Nothing really it’s more cracking down on dirty diesels. The only problem I’m getting is the engine management light is now a fail for been on. I get the old “it’s passed like that for the last 5 Years” so I just tell em you had 5 years to fix it then 😂

[99hagued]

And also hid kits fitted to halogen headlights is now a fail

[Dave J]

And also hid kits fitted to halogen headlights is now a fail

About time!

[4ndy]

And also hid kits fitted to halogen headlights is now a fail

At last.  Cant beat the real thing or a pair of nightbreakers

[thenorthster]

It's a fairly straightforward swap; the videos are on YouTube - I did it earlier in the year. You just need a bit of nerve and some eye protection as you drill/snap the old one out.

The main thing to be aware of is, avoid buying a cheap and nasty part - anything less than £40 on Ebay, even if it claims to be the right one, won't be. Cough up a bit more for the right one and you'll still come out ahead if you change it yourself.