HELP!!!...High level brake light

[Gladiator]

So I've been hit by the issue of the high level brake light not working, what a rubbish design by VW!!

I have a VW warranty but they can't be 100% sure it's covered until I pay £75 diagnostics and the dreaded removal of the spoiler!

Think I'm just going to replace myself using the 'breakout' technique as shown on a few threads, however is there anything I can check first to see if it definitely needs replacing and not just something minor or if it's stopped working it means a replacement is required?

[Andy]

Are any of the pixels lighting up

[Gladiator]

Are any of the pixels lighting up

No, none are working.  Hadn't noticed if any had gone up until the point of VW picking up as an advisory on my service last week.

[Gladiator]

Anyone?.....before I go hacking out the glass on the light this weekend and I've missed something obvious 

I presume VW checked the basics before advising I need a replacement!?!

[Tortaruga]

The only other thing it could be is that the wiring has gone. If it was me I'd break it out and fit a new one first-I imagine changing the loom would be a nightmare.

[danishmkvgti]

I could as well be the wiring as mentioned, i had this issue but it affected my rear wiper, 1 wire was torn over and 2 was damaged 

[Gladiator]

So nice sunny day, time to do the high level brake light....nice and easy I thought!!

Managed to get the unit out ok after a bit of elbow grease to pull the old unit out....no damage thankfully to the spoiler.

Went to put the new unit in but how the hell do you use the existing fixings? The new light has the screwing threads but there's no way of using the old screw that was from the old unit!?!?

I'm very confused as to how to simply push the new unit in place as mentioned on a thread for this topic?

Thinking of just gluing it in with some sealant etc but has anyone done this or can help with how to use the existing screws etc?

[Gladiator]

Ok, so I went back and read further replies to the old thread and seems you can't use the old fixings.

Apparently the unit just clicks in, did this and seemed a bit lose so run a small bead of sealant around the edges and all now seems ok....phew!!

Time will tell if it holds but now have a fully working high level brake light again 

Has anyone else done this and had any problems with the unit falling out?

[SLIVERFOX]

Easy job 45 bucks from TPS half hour job mine went in december just follow the thread that has been put on here and don't pull it 2 hard or it may snap

[homesqueeze]

Yeah, I was a bit dubious about it just clicking into place. However it seems to work. I used a bit of clear silicone round the edges though just to be safe and to help stop any water getting in. A few months on now and it all seems to be holding in place just fine 

[jbc]

As above, I didn't think it would stay in place without the internal fixings but the plastic clip on the top of the new light fitting seemed to click into place once I pushed it in fully and that held it tight. I too ran some clear silicone round to seal it and help keep it in position.

[Gladiator]

Thanks for the replies guys, all seems good and still secure after a good thrash around the Norfolk countryside and a 4 hour clean.....returned back to her original glory 

[BLACK5]

 :driver:Hi I replaced the H/L/brake light about 18months ago. like you did not fancy using the brake out using trim tool as in other threads.  Thanks for thease other threads as it made it look easy. I drilled throught the outer lens in several places. this made gently braking the lens and the rest of the light,easy with no chance to damage the paint. a little care fishing out the wiring conector. I found that the origonal clip holds the light securly. hope this helps