I just noticed this morning that the wire covering that hides the wires for the third brake light are both frayed.

The sleeve is on the driver side.

The sleeve that hides the wire has broken open, and the wires inside, both wires too, are splitting and the metal wire is visible. In fact, one side is going to break completely in a short time.

This wiring sleeve seems to have broken at a point where it bends at a right-angle often. The wires inside are too, bending at a right angle and have subsequently split.

Has anyone experienced this? I called my dealer, and they are going to have a looksy tomorrow. I'm not sure if it is covered by warranty, or extended warranty (of which I have), or if this is a known issue.

The fix would be easy, and if it is not covered, I'll fix it myself. We'll see what my dealer says.

I'll be back!

 

get some pics. i'm curious to see what you are talking about.

 

Here you go. Taken with my iPhone. But shows what I am taking about.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31040815@N04/3480039431/

Actually, the wire just broke when I opened the hood. No 3rd brake light for me this evening

Also, it looks like the wire gets pinched when the trunk lid closes. After a few years of this, I can see why it can fail. Even in a wire sheath, it happens!

 

oh wow, that sucks.

a similar thing happened to me in my Nissan 240SX. the tire had rubbed the wiring harness in the fender. i had to splice in some new wires and secure it higher up in the fender so it wouldn't rub.

hopefully the Mazda dealer will get that fixed for you though.

 

^240sxs always have electrical problems...mine did

 

I'm not too terribly concerned actually.

It is an easy fix IMO for me. If my dealer refuses to, or cannot repair in warranty, I'll do it myself.

I'd prefer a new harness though if I can get one.

That's good advice though to secure the harness higher up. I'll be sure to have a looksy when it gets repaired so that this does not happen again.

Cheers

 

Same wire scenario for me. My brake lights do not work at all! Any good DIY videos for this one? Can't afford to pay anyone to fix it.. i sank every dime i had into the car already..��

 

Well, brake lights aren't very complicated.

If none of them work and the bulbs are good, then I'd check the brake switch first.

 

Replaced fuse, bulbs, and brake switch.... no luck!! Come to find out there are no working lights on the rear.. hazard lights only...����