Flashing Brake Light

[billf]

I saw where someone else asked this question, but never found an answer.

I just got an 05 Prius. I would like to add a circuit to flash the third brake light a couple of times when I apply the brakes. I've found a couple online for around $20.

I removed the lens from the brake light on the spoiler and found that:

1. It's a line of LEDs.
2. The module fits in the spoiler with no room to store the flasher box.

This raises two questions-

How do I get behind the spoiler to find room for the circuit? I'm guessing I can remove the plastic inside the hatch. Has anyone done that before?

Are the LEDs 12 volts, or did Toyota change the voltage for the LEDs?

Thanks
Bill

[BMcGraw]

Funny you'd ask. I just finished installing one last night in my '04 model. It only took me about an hour with very few tools. Something to cut and/or strip the green/yellow positive wire between the brake light module and the plug-in connector on the hatch. I added an 8" piece of 18 ga. wire to the blue ground wire to extend it for easier attachment to a similar ground lug on the left side of the hatch. Look at the metal plate with a black ground wire already attached.

I didn't find any of these modules for $20 but this one definitely works for $35 - FREE shipping from www.webelectricproducts.com in Ohio. I ordered mine Saturday. It arrived on Monday.

It is indeed ncecessary to remove two of the plastic pieces on the back side of the hatch door. Start with the Back Door Trim Board Assembly. then the Trim Board itself. They just pull off with gentle persuasion. I wasn't able to avoid braking the (3) of the pink plastic clips and (3) of the clip mounts on the back of Trim Board. At the time I didn't have these photos to aid the removal. (A new Trim Board is around $70. Mine should be available by tomorrow morning. ops: )

To prevent "strobe side effects" "it" only flashes about five times and then "goes steady". If you release and then reapply the brakes in less than ten seconds it "goes steady" without flashing. Over ten seconds and it repeats the "flashing sequence".

[bobc]

I installed the same module as BMcGraw although I purchased it elsewhere.

I only had to remove the largest of the interior trim pieces. I also found that of all the interior trim pieces that I've pulled off, this one takes the most strength to pull off.

It is held in place by the clips visible in BMCGraw's illustration and the photo below. Pull the trim piece straight away from the hatch. Once you get the first clip to release, the rest follow.

Some of the clips may stay attached to the metal body panel. With a screwdriver, pry these off and re-attach them to the trim piece before reinstalling the trim. I was able to remove the trim without breaking anything. :wink:

And, there's tons of room behind the trim piece to store the module. Consider anchoring it or wrapping it in foam so that it doesn't rattle.

The wires leading to the rear brake light are obvious, too.

Cheers,

[BMcGraw]

ops: The trim you mention bobc was a piece-o'-cake. The other one that I didn't apparently need to take off was the tricky one. (see photo) If you don't mind me asking, where and how much was the one you purchased? It sure looks identical to the one offered @ webelectricproducts.com for $35.

[billf]

Great information!! Thanks a lot.

Bill

Now if I can get my iPod connected to the stereo, I'll be ridin' in style and saving gas.

[bobc]

BMcGraw,

Well, it looks like I did buy it from the same place you did!

When I clicked on your link, the front page was different and I didn't recognize it... But, I bought it from the same company.

[Brian]

Why would it be a good idea to have the brake lights flash like this?

[bernzx]

To BMcGraw and bobc,
I am interested in doing the brake light flasher installation that you have described. I noticed in your instructions you mentioned helpful illustrations and pictures which I could not locate. Are they still available or could you repost them ? It seems that they would be a good candidate for the knowrlege base articles forum.
Thanks,
bernzx

[kk6yb]

Originally posted by Brian@Aug 3 2005, 04:35 PM
Why would it be a good idea to have the brake lights flash like this?

[snapback]113163[/snapback]

1.9 million rear end collisions in 2002.
:P 68% due to driver inattention.
Average time for driver to react is 1.5 seconds.
Reducing driver reaction time by 0.5 seconds reduces rear end collisions by 60%.

(data from NHTSA 2002)

[bernzx]

kk6yb,
Good answer! I installed a brake flasher on my last car and tailgaters backed off when I hit the brakes. This brake pulser is also available from JC Whitney for $26.99 plus shipping (Stop-alert brake light pulser, #265361)
bernzx