Make a donation
« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2   Go Down

Author Topic: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco  (Read 3000 times)

Offline andrewparker

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 32
  • -Receive: 78
  • Posts: 1770
Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« on: July 12, 2012, 08:09:36 pm »
My car was in the garage today for a routine service and MOT, and failed on the high level brake light not working. At this point I was unaware of what a ridiculous design it has, and indeed the troubles people have had already with it. Needless to say I fell off my chair when they quoted £430 to fix it.

I was further bemused when I got home and had a fiddle with the LED strip. The thing took almost no force at all to come away (see photo). I don't know if VW tried to prise it off, or whether they simply didn't try.

I've ordered the part, so is it simply a case of removing the grommet, disconnecting the old LED strip and reconnect the new? Will it hold in place OK with out the screws?


Logged

Offline Gene Hunt

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 59
  • -Receive: 61
  • Posts: 2478
    • Email
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2012, 08:12:53 pm »
Think that what most have done mate.  :happy2:
Logged
ED35. Standard factory condition.

Offline StephenED30

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 15
  • -Receive: 53
  • Posts: 486
  • Edition 40 No 135
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2012, 08:15:06 pm »
Logged

Offline jedi-knight83

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 12
  • -Receive: 41
  • Posts: 1355
    • Cambridge Autogleam Detailing
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2012, 08:22:27 pm »
What!? never heard about this issue. Why so much and how much is it now going to cost you?

Im going out to wrap my light in bubble wrap now if its worth that much! lol
Logged
Golf GTI DSG "ED30 Tribute" - RTech: 254bhp / 323lbft | MK6 GTI DSG S.Wheel | MK6 GTI speedo | MK6 climate | RCD510DAB | Bluetooth | Milltek Cat back | H&R Springs & Rear ARB | WALK | 19" BBS CH | MK7R 340mm brakes - INFO

Offline Weston

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 25
  • -Receive: 32
  • Posts: 1496
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #4 on: July 12, 2012, 08:24:39 pm »
The hardest bit is getting it out, and that's not exactly difficult. Can't believe places quote so high for a problem you can fix yourself for £40  :surprised:
Logged
GTI going...

Offline andrewparker

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 32
  • -Receive: 78
  • Posts: 1770
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #5 on: July 12, 2012, 08:27:40 pm »
Quote from: jedi-knight83 on July 12, 2012, 08:22:27 pm
What!? never heard about this issue. Why so much and how much is it now going to cost you?

Well hopefully only £44 for the part.

I've read that water ingress is the culprit, and that you should direct the washer jet so that it doesn't spray up at it.
Logged

Offline stealthwolf

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 306
  • -Receive: 291
  • Posts: 7836
  • ED30 No.1412
    • Email
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #6 on: July 12, 2012, 08:37:39 pm »
IIRC the proper way to do it is to remove the spoiler which probably adds to the cost.
Logged

The GTI isn't just a machine. It's very much a living, breathing thing.

Offline Gene Hunt

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 59
  • -Receive: 61
  • Posts: 2478
    • Email
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #7 on: July 12, 2012, 08:38:26 pm »
Quote from: andrewparker on July 12, 2012, 08:27:40 pm
Quote from: jedi-knight83 on July 12, 2012, 08:22:27 pm
What!? never heard about this issue. Why so much and how much is it now going to cost you?

Well hopefully only £44 for the part.

I've read that water ingress is the culprit, and that you should direct the washer jet so that it doesn't spray up at it.
........both my GTI's have had a bit on condensation in them over the winter months etc.I never had problems & always make shure the washer jet is set lower than the light. Must say i would def have a go my self if i ever did get problems.
Logged
ED35. Standard factory condition.

Offline Gene Hunt

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 59
  • -Receive: 61
  • Posts: 2478
    • Email
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #8 on: July 12, 2012, 08:39:42 pm »
Quote from: stealthwolf on July 12, 2012, 08:37:39 pm
IIRC the proper way to do it is to remove the spoiler which probably adds to the cost.
..........think thats it & there bonded on so the reason why they cause a load of problems.
Logged
ED35. Standard factory condition.

Offline andrewparker

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 32
  • -Receive: 78
  • Posts: 1770
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #9 on: July 12, 2012, 09:05:03 pm »
Quote from: Gene Hunt on July 12, 2012, 08:39:42 pm
Quote from: stealthwolf on July 12, 2012, 08:37:39 pm
IIRC the proper way to do it is to remove the spoiler which probably adds to the cost.
..........think thats it & there bonded on so the reason why they cause a load of problems.

Yep, VW say it's impossible to remove it without breaking it!
Logged

keendean

  • Guest
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2012, 09:08:43 pm »
Ordered mine today from Vindis. £46. I'll be fitting it with a new found mate, who has a love also for the Mk V. He had the same problem, and his has fitted fine, with just pushing it back in. Seems a common problem  :scared:
Logged

Offline Greeners

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 201
  • -Receive: 199
  • Posts: 8812
    • Email
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #11 on: July 12, 2012, 09:09:36 pm »
Quote from: andrewparker on July 12, 2012, 08:27:40 pm
Quote from: jedi-knight83 on July 12, 2012, 08:22:27 pm
What!? never heard about this issue. Why so much and how much is it now going to cost you?

Well hopefully only £44 for the part.

I've read that water ingress is the culprit, and that you should direct the washer jet so that it doesn't spray up at it.

I don't agree it's the washer jet that causes it. I never used to use my rear washer (on OCD thing about the mess to makes on the tailgate!  :laugh: ) and mine used the get water into the unit. IMO the water gets through the top of the spoiler when jet washing.

Be sure to put a bead of sealant on the new LED when re-fitting!  :wink:
Logged

Offline andrewparker

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 32
  • -Receive: 78
  • Posts: 1770
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #12 on: July 12, 2012, 09:27:09 pm »
My biggest worry is removing the grommet and the connection coming loose...
Logged

Offline Gene Hunt

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 59
  • -Receive: 61
  • Posts: 2478
    • Email
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #13 on: July 12, 2012, 09:39:52 pm »
Quote from: andrewparker on July 12, 2012, 09:27:09 pm
My biggest worry is removing the grommet and the connection coming loose...
...........you will be fine if you follow the guide on this link :happy2:.Think of the cash you will save.
Logged
ED35. Standard factory condition.

Offline PDT

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 3
  • -Receive: 142
  • Posts: 2010
    • Email
Re: Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco
« Reply #14 on: July 13, 2012, 03:32:39 pm »
High level brake light isnt an mot failure is it?

Logged
Pages: [1] 2   Go Up
« previous next »