Very dim LED 3rd brake light in spoiler

[6T9CUDA]

Hi all,

I just got my 2008 4 Runner SR5 about 2 months ago - it is stock and I will be posting some photos of it soon. I had a 2002 SR5 prior to this one which I had to sell back in 2012 due to financial issues. Im extremely happy to have a Runner again!

Anyway I am hoping that some of you can help me. The LED 3rd brake light in the spoiler (OEM Spoiler) is extremely dim. In the daylight with the brakes pressed you can barely make out that the light is on. At night, they are more visible but still very dim. I should mention that the truck also has the 3rd brake light in the hatch, which is much brighter.

Is there any reason why it would be so dim? I don't mind buying a new one if I have to (Dealer quoted $168!)


Thanks - Tom

2008 4Runner SR5
4.0 V6
Galactic Gray

 

[gm350reratliff]

Check the bulb socket for corrosion.

 

[6T9CUDA]

The 3rd brake light in the spoiler is LED - It looks like a complete assembly.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Oops. I missed that.


Can you pop the light out and check voltage? It's either low voltage to the light, bad ground, or bad LED board.

 

[6T9CUDA]

I found the connection for the light. They look like simple crimp connectors, so I don't think this was factory installed, but it is an oem spoiler and light. Will I be looking for 12 volts at the connection when the brake is pressed? I'm not sure how to check for ground or even where the ground is..

Thanks, Tom

 

[6T9CUDA]

I'm also wondering if it might be a low voltage situation because both 3rd brake lights are hooked up.

 

[progress4m]

I found the connection for the light. They look like simple crimp connectors, so I don't think this was factory installed, but it is an oem spoiler and light. Will I be looking for 12 volts at the connection when the brake is pressed? I'm not sure how to check for ground or even where the ground is..

Thanks, Tom

I would start by measuring the voltage at the connector and possibly try to connect LED light to external 12 power source (after disconnecting it from the truck) and see how it looks like.
And Yes, 12 V should be there when the brake is pressed;

You are correct: You have an aftermarket spoiler (or at least aftermarket install) otherwise you would not have a 3rd brake light on the gate;