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The extra brake light.....

7K views 36 replies 24 participants last post by  teejdOrk 
#1 ·
Does anyone know how to go upon installing that "extra" brake light? I know a few people who have it and I think I know where to "jump" the wire to and from, but where do I get the plugs to plug into the brake light assembly??? I've looked all over the place, even the dealer, and I've gotten no love. Someone, anyone???
 
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#4 ·
Re: The extra brake light..... (SDPassatT)

Well... there are a couple of things you have to do. Since you are in the San Diego Area... you can get VW Playa to help u out, he lives there and you guys could meet up. It's just too much stuff for me to type out. I recieved your mail... but I'm too lazy to type it out again... and couldn't find the thread. Anyway, I'll be going down to San Diego this month to do a swap with VW Playa, so mabbe we can meet up and I'd do it for u k?
 
#6 ·
Re: The extra brake light..... (Runfirst)

Boris' diagram above will give you the "5 brakelight" mod (which kicks ass, IMO...people really KNOW when you're braking). It puts 2 high-intensity 1156(?) bulbs in the unused spots in the taillights, which act as additional brakelights.

It's actually a lot simpler in practice than it is in theory. There is also a shortcut that uses electrical bridge connectors on the various prongs in the light housing that will accomplish the same task. Someone out there has a great pic of the finished product, it's too hard to describe.

I would definitely recommend doing the rear fog and 5 brakelights at the same time. Under $10, DIY



<![CDATA[Boris' diagram above will give you the "5 brakelight" mod (which kicks ass, IMO...people really KNOW when you're braking). It puts 2 high-intensity 1156(?) bulbs in the unused spots in the taillights, which act as additional brakelights.

It's actually a lot simpler in practice than it is in theory. There is also a shortcut that uses electrical bridge connectors on the various prongs in the light housing that will accomplish the same task. Someone out there has a great pic of the finished product, it's too hard to describe.

I would definitely recommend doing the rear fog and 5 brakelights at the same time. Under $10, DIY



[Modified by ashman78, 9:56 AM 9/5/2002]
 
#8 ·
Re: The extra brake light..... (Boris)

Would it work to connect a wire from the first fog in the rear to the same light on the other side and make it a fog as well. Or would more work(wiring) be needed to accomplish this? I was thinking a more symetrical set of fogs would look better, but would be happy with just the one if its too much work.
 
#9 ·
Re: The extra brake light..... (Archanum)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Would it work to connect a wire from the first fog in the rear to the same light on the other side and make it a fog as well. Or would more work(wiring) be needed to accomplish this? I was thinking a more symetrical set of fogs would look better, but would be happy with just the one if its too much work.


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The reason that the one-sided fog light is popular is because:
1) the stock VW setup in Europe is left-side-only
2) dual fogs could make drivers think you are riding your brakes

Asymmetrical seems to be the popular choice, but there are some out there with both installed.
 
#10 ·
Re: The extra brake light..... (Rice Boy)

Rice Boy:

Yeah, I know VW Player...he cracks me up. When are you coming down to San Diego to do this swap? I am going to be swapping somethin with him later this month too so maybe we can all just meet up like you said and handle it all at once. That would be pretty cool.

Ugh, I know this brake light mod isn't hard to do, I'm just asking around since you've done it and I haven't so it's more convenient ya know???
Could you email me back and tell me what materials I should have for when we meet up? Thanks Rice, now I'll email VW Player again (just emailed him like 5 minutes ago) to see if he's down to collaborate.

Laters!
 
#12 ·
The above will work with the Euro Light Switch, but if you don't plan on that, it can be very simple. I'll have to pull the back of min apart again and take pics, or you could stop by my work....I work near OB, so drop me a line if you're interested.
 
#13 ·
Re: The extra brake light..... (Green_Hornet)

Extra Brake Lights on B5 Passat:

Left side assembly, I'm pretty sure the female end on the bottom right of the pic attaches only to the male end on the left of the two.

Right side assembly, in the lower right of the picture you must connect both of the male ends.

Note that the hole for the bulb (1156 single filiment) in the plastic plate must be broken away to fit the bulb through. It is scored and relatively easy to do with a pair of needle nosed pliers. GOOD LUCK!
 
#14 ·
Re: The extra brake light..... (BobV)

I also did it this way....^^^^^^^^^^^^^.....peice of cake, and works like charm!! ALL you need to do is replace the fuse to a 10watt....instead of 5!!....I havent had to replace the bulbs whatsoever, just simple SYLVANIA bulbs...1156....takes 5 min tops....need 3 female connectors, some wire, and two bulbs....(plus a tool to cut away the hole for the bulb)
 
#17 ·
Re: The extra brake light..... (BobV)

hmmmm, im not positive right now....I would have to look it up....but its on your FUSE card...it looks like a headlight D= or just do the mod, and find the blown FUSE...lol....I carry extra fuses just in case!
 
#21 ·
SDPassatT said:
Yeah, I almost forgot about this thread; it's a couple years old! My brake lights have worked well and I've had no blown fuses or blown bulbs.

If you need to know anything in particular, PM me.

-Harry
Hey Harry as I was reading through the beginning of this thread I m thinking he hasn't done this yet. :???: Then I noticed the date. :crazy:
 
#25 ·
Black-Magic said:
rich223vt said:
There was a post detailing the placement of the jumpers on the back of the bulb holders, parts needed, etc. But after repeated searches, I cannot find it again! :mad: It really looked like an easy mod, too. :sad: Anyone remember this post?
Rich
Yeah, I have looked for it also and can't find it.
PM me and I will take pics of mine when my car gets here Feb 1. (It's being shipped to my new residence).

Either that, or PM Nick "redb5sdca" and wish him a happy birthday to butter him up, then ask if he'll take pics for you since I did his as well.

-Harry :beer:
 
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