DirtySpleen

Shocker, my power trunk is busted. As such, my third brake light won't activate because the trunk has an inch or so gap. I am going to have the power lock welded in place as to have only a manual trunk, but am curious how I could rig the light to work, as i'm not fully sure on that aspect of how it activates. Any help would be great!

Scorpner

iTrader: (4)

You could just cycle the hatch pull down to the bottom so the hatch shuts securely. If you're going to weld, then get a non motorized receiver to weld in it's place.

SansKey

So you say the third brake light (the one on the hatch) will not light up when the hatch is either open or not down all the way? I have a 92 RS and the third brake light illuminates when I press the brake pedal no matter what. Try taking off the black plastic cover on the interior of the third brake light and check your wiring. There may be some hoodangary going on in there.

Plus 1 for Scorpner's suggestion if you don't want to replace the unit. You may even be able to loosen the bolts that attach the whole assembly and slide it down to where you need it.

DirtySpleen

How could I cycle it? I just looked at it and I am unsure as it seems like a rod going through the motor housing controls this, and without the motor I'm lost on that one!

Also, What switch determines if the hatch is closed enough to use the third brake light? Any pics?

LsxMatt

iTrader: (4)

The brake lights wiring runs down the window and into a plastic terminal plate on the top of the hatch next to the latch. The part on the car where the hatch sits next to the pull down motor has a female version of the same plate, so when the hatch is closed, the terminals meet and complete the connection for the light. If the hatch is open the light isn't going to function.

Edit, also 86 was the only year with the outside the hatch brake light.

Joe Tag

iTrader: (4)

There is a little plastic lever in the latch at the back. Hold it down until the motor pulls all the way down and stops with a click. Release the lever and it should cycle back up.

((Mike))

iTrader: (1)

If I can remember right your brake light is wired directly to the brake switch. The 87-90 light in the spoiler picks up the power and signal from a plate that makes contact when the hatch shuts.

Scorpner

iTrader: (4)

You can either try to trigger it to move, or try bypassing the motor. I had to take mine apart because the gear was broken and the motor continuously ran, so in that case I just cycled it by hand and left it unplugged until I could get back to it. You just want to get it to it's lowest point.

Top down solutions has instructions and parts to fix it if you decide to go that route.

SansKey

DirtySpleen, are we talking about your 91 RS with the third brake light on the top part of the hatch near the roof? Or is your third brake light on the spoiler like what mgg4591 and ((Mike)) are talking about?