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I was getting tired of replacing my third brake light's incandescent bulbs every few months and I was also tired of looking at that faded light
assembly, so I figured a change was needed.
I purchased DNA Motoring's model "3BL-TH01-LED-RD LED" LED third brake light on Amazon for $28 CAD free shipping. Upon
arrival I had discovered that they sent me TWO by accident which was nice! Also nice was the quality of this assembly, which was better than I expected. The 6 LEDs on the assembly were a nice bright red - matching my Hybrid LED tail lights perfectly! After a side by side test, there was absolutely no comparison between this LED assembly and the stock - so in she goes!
Before:
![Land vehicle Vehicle Car Luxury vehicle Compact sport utility vehicle]()
After:
![Land vehicle Vehicle Car Compact sport utility vehicle Sport utility vehicle]()
Step 1: Removal
Since my car is a limited with the rear spoiler, the job was significantly more tedious. I had to use an offset Philips screwdriver to get the screws out, exercising caution along the way to prevent stripping them.
![Windshield Automotive exterior Automotive window part Glass Hand]()
Once the screws are out, use a plastic trim tool to pry off the sticky adhesive - separating the light assembly from the car's body. Carefully work your way around the light, prying and scraping off the adhesive until the assembly slowly pops off the car's hatch.
![Vehicle Vehicle door Automotive exterior Car Rim]()
Now, you'll need to disconnect the socket from the assembly, just like when you go to replace the third brake light bulb. Remove the trim panel right above the back window, find the socket, twist counterclockwise to pop it out and then the assembly can be removed entirely from the car. Be careful while closing your trunk when the bulb is out, it can easily be crushed if its not left to dangle - don't ask me how I know this!
![Automotive exterior Bumper Vehicle Automotive lighting Car]()
Step 2: Installing the LED
Scrape off as much of the old foam as you can from the car. The new brake light assembly didn't come with an adhesive so I used some butyl rubber tape by Dicor. I experimented with closed cell foam at first, but wasn't happy with its adhesion and it didn't seal very nicely.
![]()
I wasn't a fan of how the new assembly plugged into the car so I changed it. Instead of using the connector that the original light uses, it uses an unnecessary adapter to plug into the OEM socket instead of the wire that plugs into the socket itself. I found the original plug (#: 2P090K-1160-M) from Japan, and ordered it for $3 CAD. It came with 2 pins and the housing - these had to be crimped in and then the wires are soldered to the new brake light (the old ones ripped off and had to be re-soldered
). I only recommend going this route if you're a crazy bastard like me.
![Finger Hand Nail]()
Slowly press down the new assembly down onto the car as you feed your new wire through the hole behind the trim panel, and into your original third brake light wire/socket. Line up the screw holes and crank her down until the butyl compresses, and voila! You're done!
![Design Room Table Furniture Bumper]()
Step 3: Done
Now you can enjoy your new LED assembly! It has been going strong for 6 months now! Nice and bright, maintenance free, and a nice compliment to the hybrid LED tail lights!
![Bumper Automotive lighting Automotive tail & brake light Vehicle Automotive exterior]()
![298499]()
assembly, so I figured a change was needed.
I purchased DNA Motoring's model "3BL-TH01-LED-RD LED" LED third brake light on Amazon for $28 CAD free shipping. Upon
arrival I had discovered that they sent me TWO by accident which was nice! Also nice was the quality of this assembly, which was better than I expected. The 6 LEDs on the assembly were a nice bright red - matching my Hybrid LED tail lights perfectly! After a side by side test, there was absolutely no comparison between this LED assembly and the stock - so in she goes!
Before:
After:
Step 1: Removal
Since my car is a limited with the rear spoiler, the job was significantly more tedious. I had to use an offset Philips screwdriver to get the screws out, exercising caution along the way to prevent stripping them.
Once the screws are out, use a plastic trim tool to pry off the sticky adhesive - separating the light assembly from the car's body. Carefully work your way around the light, prying and scraping off the adhesive until the assembly slowly pops off the car's hatch.
Now, you'll need to disconnect the socket from the assembly, just like when you go to replace the third brake light bulb. Remove the trim panel right above the back window, find the socket, twist counterclockwise to pop it out and then the assembly can be removed entirely from the car. Be careful while closing your trunk when the bulb is out, it can easily be crushed if its not left to dangle - don't ask me how I know this!
Step 2: Installing the LED
Scrape off as much of the old foam as you can from the car. The new brake light assembly didn't come with an adhesive so I used some butyl rubber tape by Dicor. I experimented with closed cell foam at first, but wasn't happy with its adhesion and it didn't seal very nicely.
I wasn't a fan of how the new assembly plugged into the car so I changed it. Instead of using the connector that the original light uses, it uses an unnecessary adapter to plug into the OEM socket instead of the wire that plugs into the socket itself. I found the original plug (#: 2P090K-1160-M) from Japan, and ordered it for $3 CAD. It came with 2 pins and the housing - these had to be crimped in and then the wires are soldered to the new brake light (the old ones ripped off and had to be re-soldered
). I only recommend going this route if you're a crazy bastard like me.
Slowly press down the new assembly down onto the car as you feed your new wire through the hole behind the trim panel, and into your original third brake light wire/socket. Line up the screw holes and crank her down until the butyl compresses, and voila! You're done!
Step 3: Done
Now you can enjoy your new LED assembly! It has been going strong for 6 months now! Nice and bright, maintenance free, and a nice compliment to the hybrid LED tail lights!
