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Third Brake Light

TTA855

TTA855

White lightning drinker
My third brake light keeps going out. I'm not a mechanic, but I understand there are two metal connectors for the light, one on the hatch and one on the body that meet up when the hatch is closed to complete the circuit. I've taken it to two different mechanics; the first said the connectors were dirty, and then it worked for a little while. The second said there wasn't a good connection, he adjusted it and again it worked for a little while. Now the mechanic thinks the connectors need to be replaced. Has anyone had this same issue? I would appreciate any advice!
 
Should be a simple fix. Lightly sand the two contacts on the bottom that the upper contacts hit. You can also sand the contacts up top and make sure the springs that hold them down tight are working correctly. Push up on them and they should snap back if they are working properly. Hope that explains things.
 
Thank you Mike. I can tell by looking at the body contacts that they have been sanded already. The hatch contacts springs seem to be in good shape: the two metal contacts each have spring tension when I push up on them, and the entire black plastic part the two metal contacts are connected to also has spring tension when I push up on it. So it seems like I'm getting good contacts. I may need to just replace the two body and hatch units. Do you have any suggestions on who carries them? Thanks.
 
I would also check the two bulbs and bulb holders and clean them up properly to make sure they have proper contact as well ...

The Spring contacts I doubt is an issue but could be the connector to the body one that is loose or bad connection, if you remove the plastic panel you can get to that one easily.
 
Thanks Jan. I had my mechanic replace the entire hatch contact unit today with a used one I bought from Third Gen Bargain Barn for $23. I'll let you know if that fixes it. It's an intermittent problem, so it will be a while before I know for sure.
 
Jan - well, it's been a month and so far it looks like replacing the hatch unit fixed the problem! Thanks again for your advice.
 
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