Centre Brake Light Ford Fiesta

Coz

Hi all,

I've a MKIV Fiesta but the middle brake light has been removed. In order for the car to pass it's NCT I need to refit one.

Does anyone know how to wire one of these?

I know that I need to splice into the nearside main brake light wire.

My problem is that there are four connection points on the unit (2 on each side) I don't know which one to link to the main brake light wire.

Also I know I've to attach an earth but and in turn attach that to the body of the car, but again I don't know which point to sue.

Can anyone help? Also if I'm missing anything from the above please let me know!!

Thanks.

Plug

Im fairly sure not all the mk 4 fiesta had a centre brake light but then the mk5(facelift of yours) had one. Does it look like something has been removed? If not just tell your man in the NCT. What year is yours?

Coz

Hey Plug. She's a 97 Mark IV Ghia and deffo had the centre brake light at one point as there's some wiring there. The part I ordered came off an Mark V but it's the same unit.

There's one wire that seems to be spliced into the nearside brake light wire and this runs up through the body to where the light sits. There's also a wire connected to the body of the car also where the light sits that I presume is an earth.

There are two pins at either end of the light (four in total) and I'm just not sure where to connect. Also not sure if the wire running up from the splice is intact so I'm going to replace it.

She's already gone through the NCT and passed everything else but I've to bring her back with the brake light fitted and working before I get my disc.

Really want to do it myself as any money I spend on it would be more than the value of the car!!!

Plug

Don't know about the two sets of pins on either side. I haven't looked at one in ages but I can't remember four wires running to it, im just not sure. One side of the lamp is going to be an earth and the other the live supply I reckon. Can you see have you a live when the brake is pressed coming from that wire on the NS. If so bridge it onto one side of the lamp and put an earth on the other side. Thats the easiest way to try it.

Coz

Nice one Plug. I'll give that a go.

dgt

Hi

I too have a mk IV Fiesta but it does not have a third brake light.

The car very recently passed its nct.

Who told you that one was required?

JimmyO

Hi Dgt,

It was Applus, who run the NCTS that told me. Don't get me started on the stupidity of it!!

After a load of emails and phone calls they explained the situation and said my only course of action was to contact the RSA.

Here's my email to them - it will give the full background to what's going on:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I drive a Ford Fiesta which had a high level (or centre) brake light fitted by the manufacturer.

However, I found that it restricted my view through the rear view window and I removed it.

I still have the standard two brake lights on the rear nearside and offside.

This meets the requirement of ROAD TRAFFIC (LIGHTING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, 1963.,

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1963/en/si/0189.html#zzsi189y1963a13

However I submitted my car for the NCT and it passed, with flying colours, on all fronts with the exception of the centre brake light.

Having contacted Applus on the matter, they explained that they are required to test the vehicle based on the manufacturers specifications. If the car came supplied with a centre brake light it had to be present and working for the test.


Given that this car is quite old, the cost of bringing it to a professional and have a new one fitted would far exceed the value of the car.

I am sure you can understand my frustration at what appears to be a rather idiotic element to the test.

A third brake light is not required b law but because of the ambiguous wording of the National Car Testing Manual I have to afford the expense of fitting an item that I can simply remove after the test, in the car park of the testing centre should I wish, and drive away in a car that still meets the legal requirements of the Road Traffic Act.

Times are tough and I am reluctant to invest any money into this car.

Further to my discussions with Applus, they said my only recourse was to contact the RSA.

Can you please advise if there is any way for an NCT disc to be issued for my car, without having get this light fitted?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,

I've not had a reply!