Gen II GTS Centre Brake Light Repair

[FlashFyre]

I recently purchased a 3rd brake light from a guy who said he has had it for 20 years in his basement. He got it when he worked for Magna and figured it doesn't work. Its in excellent shape, like new condition but once I hooked it up to my working rear fascia wall art it won't light up. No issues with the fascia as there is already a working centre brake light. Hard to believe its busted without ever really being used.

I did a continuity check on the connector and wiring just prior to the connector and nothing. Service manual says they are a replace item only. I really havent heard of the center brake light failing. Any idea of how to fix it?

Worse case I will remove the leds and find some 12v compatible ones to preserve the light.

[dave6666]

I have a good used one if you decide not to mess with it. It's not 100% perfect - there's a few tiny spots where the silver sneaky pete paint is missing - but no scratches or anything obnoxious. I tested it and yes it works.

On yours I would assume it's a wire problem not an LED problem. Should be simple once you cut the case open. Which is probably either thermally or ultrasonically welded shut.

[FlashFyre]

No cutting of case required. Few plastic tabs have to be cut to get it open once the sneaky Pete emblem cover is off. 1 diode and 4 resistors. Checked the diode and it appears functional. Resistors I believe have to be removed to check. Slow going as I am going at the pace of Google. I believe it can be fixed. Will post pics of the guts when I get on desktop.

[FlashFyre]

29136

[FlashFyre]

If anyone has an expertise on testing leds I would appreciate any advice.

[daveg]

First thing I would do is check that diode with a meter set to continuity.

[FlashFyre]

Checked it in diode test mode and it appears functional getting a reading only one way. Resistance mode dpesnt provide any reading. I've read in order to check continuity the diode has to be removed from the circuit board. Thoughts?