Hello all,

How do we replace the 3rd Brake light (the one seated on the rear spoiler)? Is this part even replaceable or I need a whole spoiler ($$$$)?

Perhaps @tecman or @Acrad know a thing or 2 about this since they may have seen a thing or 2 about this?

Thanks y'all.

 

It appears to be replaceable

PN: 8157060110

 

Good question. Since you are in Nebraska (so pretty close to the US ), your car is governed by US regulations - in this case Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)108. For the Center High Mounted Stop Light, the requirement is found in S6.1.3.4.2 which states:
S6.1.3.4.2 Accessibility. Each high-mounted stop lamp must provide access for convenient replacement of bulbs without special tools.

Each manufacturer certifies that their vehicle meets all applicable regulations, so it should be easily replaceable.

That said, some aren't and manufacturers will replace gratis if their feet are held to the fire. The test case for the CHMSL is Volkswagen, who extended the warranty on this part for 10 years (so 13 total) on the MkV (2006-2008ish) GTI/R32. On that car, it required cutting off the spoiler, replacing the light and putting on a new spoiler (and often required painting the roof and hatch where cutting off the spoiler damaged the paint.

If it isn't easily fixable, then please let me know and I'll suggest next steps.

 

Step 1 is good news, but how easy is it to change? Remember that the requirement is that it is easily replaceable using common tools (so screwdriver, pliers, maybe a trim tool - even if that is a bit of a stretch). The VW part was available and the official repair procedure required a Sawsall with a special blade, a new spoiler and special epoxy glue.

 

looks like 1 screw from the back (as shown in picture) but man...$200 msrp.

Any aftermarket option? Thanks to @Acrad

 

This claims to be compatible

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-2010-2...p/264585924260

Back door disassembly instructions attached

 

Hold on, in order to replace the third brake light, I essential have to take apart the tail gate + the part cost $200?

 

You'd think that they'd at least photoshop their light in straight...



It is also unlikely that this meets the regs.

The install instructions appear a bit daunting.

 

Doesn't sound "convenient".

I'd go to my local dealer and ask for a goodwill repair, showing them the FMVSS. If that doesn't work, then I'd file a complaint with NHTSA and then call Lexus. I wouldn't take no for answer.

I'd bet this is a $500+ repair at the dealer.

 

I'm not certain you need to take all of that off to service this area.

 

Update -

Thanks @Acrad for the instruction but after spending 30 mins messing around trying to take the rear end apart I gave up. I worried that I might cause more harms than good so I stopped. With the new brakes rotors and pads I replaced recently I need to flush the brake fluids anyway so I let the dealer replace the light for me for $130 (with $44 part I bought on ebay) + $150 for the brake flush.

Left view

Right view

Full on

 

...the dealer let you bring in your own parts, and didnt charge you $200 for a brake flush, im impressed. congrats on getting it fixed

now im just confused as to why them oem part costs soo much.

 

 

My Honda had an issue with the 3rd brake light and it turns out it was LED and design for “life” so no replaceable bulbs and it was $$$ for the assembly.

So I disassembled the unit and reflowed all the solder joints and it was good as new. Maybe the Lexus one has the same issue and can be repaired?

 

solder joint fatigue. number one failure mode for electronics. cadillac had the same issue on their 3rd light where the pc boards were joined with soldered jumpers