Our Citroen has popped its high-level LED brake light (the third brake light).
I've got voltage at the 2-pin connector plug but when speaking to one of the mechanics next door at work he said 14 volts is "too high" for a car obvs I didn't want to get into a debate about it there and then.
My understanding has always been a healthy voltage of around 13.7 to 14.5 with the engine running was a good indicator for most cars.
Weirdly the LED light is stamped 13.5V which he said was a maximum, can't imagine an extra 0.5 volts more would hurt but hey.
The main dealer wants £137.00 for the part, I've removed the old one so easy to fit myself but don't want to 'pop' the new one. I've also found a spare replacement used one (in Italy ) you would not believe how many Pug/Cit models use this same brake light.
There's no other issues with the electrics although it does blow maybe a couple of rear filament lamps per year but some cars do that don't they.
Any advice welcomes.
14 Volts with engine running
Moderator: Moderators
- Welly
- The moderator formally known as Welton
- Posts: 15033
- Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:52 pm
- Location: East Midlandfordshire
14 Volts with engine running
Cars in my care:
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
-
- 2.0 16v
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2018 4:00 pm
- Location: Cumbria
Re: 14 Volts with engine running
I'd say try a different mechanic. Most cars charge up to around 14.5v. My gtx is usually around 14.4 and my 34 year old 924 is between 13.5 to 14.2 depending on engine speed.
1984 924 2.0 n/a crystal Green - The daily
2005 VW Passat tdi 130 Highline, now 170bhp & 290ft/lb
2000 Peugeot 406 2.0 hdi - stood for 4 years, fresh mot and mostly working.
2005 VW Passat tdi 130 Highline, now 170bhp & 290ft/lb
2000 Peugeot 406 2.0 hdi - stood for 4 years, fresh mot and mostly working.
- Welly
- The moderator formally known as Welton
- Posts: 15033
- Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:52 pm
- Location: East Midlandfordshire
Re: 14 Volts with engine running
Yeah, that's what I thought, perhaps 13.5v is the minimum for the LED light so it doesn't flicker or something.
Cars in my care:
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
- steve_earwig
- Moderator
- Posts: 19799
- Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:09 pm
- Location: Jastrebarsko, Croatia http://www.jastrebarsko.hr/lokacija/
Re: 14 Volts with engine running
Is it possible to change the individual LED's? I think there's a farmerpug youtube vid replacing one on, er, something.
Unskilled meddling sin©e 2007
The submitted form was invalid. Try submitting again.
The submitted form was invalid. Try submitting again.
- Welly
- The moderator formally known as Welton
- Posts: 15033
- Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:52 pm
- Location: East Midlandfordshire
Re: 14 Volts with engine running
The light unit is one of those 'once only' manufactured items; two halves bonded together with god knows what and produces a "I dare you to pry a bit more" crackling sound when trying to tease the joint open even just a bit.
I just know the whole thing will shatter apart or I'll stab myself horribly trying. Or both.
Luckily* the Turd Brake Light does not form part of the MOT if it's not there if it is there then it need to work. I asked my MOT tester this. I don't really want to leave the hole where it used to be so I think I'll try the second hand unit.
I just know the whole thing will shatter apart or I'll stab myself horribly trying. Or both.
Luckily* the Turd Brake Light does not form part of the MOT if it's not there if it is there then it need to work. I asked my MOT tester this. I don't really want to leave the hole where it used to be so I think I'll try the second hand unit.
Cars in my care:
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
- steve_earwig
- Moderator
- Posts: 19799
- Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:09 pm
- Location: Jastrebarsko, Croatia http://www.jastrebarsko.hr/lokacija/
Re: 14 Volts with engine running
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-3000-15 ... rds=dremel
It's already borked, can you make it any worse? (besides impaling yourself on shards of plastic..)
It's already borked, can you make it any worse? (besides impaling yourself on shards of plastic..)
Unskilled meddling sin©e 2007
The submitted form was invalid. Try submitting again.
The submitted form was invalid. Try submitting again.
- Welly
- The moderator formally known as Welton
- Posts: 15033
- Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:52 pm
- Location: East Midlandfordshire
Re: 14 Volts with engine running
In the end I managed to bag a bargain from ebay, located in Lithuania I made an offer for £5.00 off the asking price and had one delivered for £29.00 all in
Fitted it last night and it works perfect!
Fitted it last night and it works perfect!
Cars in my care:
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
Re: 14 Volts with engine running
That's the way to do it, or the scrap yard. 14.4 volts is about the norm, if you have bulbs going at that voltage they are either of poor quality or subject to vibration.
Peter
Peter