BAC Forum

General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Carl Boger on September 15, 2023, 08:05:22 PM

Title: size of 3rd brake light bulbs
Post by: Carl Boger on September 15, 2023, 08:05:22 PM

Well it time to get my motorhome inspected again and to no surprise I have to get a few of the lights working right again. 

The 3rd brake light over the engine had maybe 1 bulb burning when I tested the brakes.  Does anyone know what size bulb it takes?  They are the miniature push in style with a wire that passes through the  inner glass and makes contact outside the bulb.  These are the small bulbs that are about 5/8th inch long overall and under 1/4 inch wide.

I tried to buy locally at 2 different places and neither had them.   

Also one of the plastic 1/4 turn holders is now missing, does anyone have a source for those? 

Thanks Carl

Title: Re: size of 3rd brake light bulbs
Post by: Bill Lampkin on September 16, 2023, 03:23:55 PM

for an LED replacement try spoilerlights.com

Title: Re: size of 3rd brake light bulbs
Post by: Eric Maclean Co-Admin on September 17, 2023, 06:49:29 PM

Carl
The original high mounts have problems with the small printed circuit that the bulb bases connect to ( the copper corrodes and comes off the board leaving the bulb base without power)
The best solution is a replacement with LEDs.

On the back of your high mount brake light you should find the original part number cast into the plastic .
I think you will find the original part number is a Hella #959171.
Hella has a replacement which comes in either clear plastic with red LEDs or a red plastic with red LEDs
It should be a direct fit into your recessed cap opening .
Here is a link or two.
The second link will also give you the dimensions in millimeters to help you make sure it will fit.

Happy hunting
Eric

https://www.trailerlighting.com.au/hella-5243-matrix-led-high-level-brake-lamp-red-12v-dc.html

https://www.hella.co.nz/en/products/marker-signal/led-strip-marker-and-signal-lamps/led-centre-high-mounted-stop-lamps-chmsl-strip.html

Title: Re: size of 3rd brake light bulbs
Post by: Bill Lampkin on September 18, 2023, 12:47:20 AM

https://www.spoilerlights.com/spoilerlights/10-16-2-hole-front-mount-spoiler-light/.    10in x1in.  Should. Fit. $45

Title: Re: size of 3rd brake light bulbs
Post by: Carl Boger on September 18, 2023, 04:57:34 PM

Thanks Eric and Bill

I was able to find some led bulbs and holders for 10 buck, but unfortunately like you said Eric the back side had degraded on a few of the light contacts.

Thanks for the link Bill, I was about to cheap out at least for the inspection and mount a 14 dollar 3rd brake light on top of the original just to get it to pass.  Now for a few bucks more I'll just keep it looking factory.

Title: Re: size of 3rd brake light bulbs
Post by: Carl Boger on September 23, 2023, 12:39:53 AM

Just to follow up,

Bill the link for the light you listed is a exact fit and much cheaper than the hella.  It works great.

Eric, as usual you were correct about the problem, the contact ribbon had indeed worn away in several places making it impossible for the bulbs to get 12 volts.