2005 Driver's side Brake Light out

My driver's side brake light is out. I noticed it when my wife pulled in. I quickly fiddled with the connection going into the brake light by removing the little cover. Now all of the lights work except for the upper LH LED.

I read threads that were several years old and they all seemed to require replacement of the tail light assembly.

Is this still true in 2020? Never know...it's a strange year.

Also, just wondering why jiggling anything would allow all but one LED to work. Seems like it should either work or not.

Thanks!

 

Thanks for this. Do you know if I am better off with an OEM assembly or if any of the ebay/amazon ones are good? Lots of reviews showing poor fit and gaps. I have been hosed a few times already with aftermarket headlights that lose their clearcoat in no time at all. I'd bet tail lights do the same.

 

Thanks, it seems that in this case they are selling Eagle Eyes which seems to be synonymous with sharp edges and a gap that can allow water in. I went with TYC 11-6154-00-1 aka 116154001. These are supposedly the only aftermarket ones that fit well. 90 bucks plus tax...a bit high compared to the $55 plus range but those all seem to be the Eagle Eyes. The TYC ones are NSF certified so I guess that shows some effort. I wouldn't be surprised if the clear comes off of these in no time still. Scary thought.

 

Yep, I have been clearing lights forever. I'd just rather avoid it because the results are unpredictable. Also, if the clear starts peeling, it is a hassle to remove all the clear with 600 and then graduate upwards. More recently I have been experiencing crows foot when painting headlights forcing me to sand down to 60 grit and leaving deep sanding scratches no matter how I graduate upwards.

I didn't know about the heat shrinking a clear protective coating on them. That sounds more reliable actually. Thanks.