3rd brake light not working!
 

I know first thing to do is check the bulb. I bought bulbs and replaced it and it still does not work. I even put in the second bulb and still not working. So I checked the fuses and they all are fine too. Am I missing something here??? I miss seeing my rotary dragon.:tear: Oh and I don't want to give the cops a reason to pull me over. Help please.:bowdown:

Any luck with your rear lights? I just now noticed that my high-mount (third) brake light isn't working. Replaced the 7440 bulb and all fuses are still good, trying search the forum for a solution.

Do both your normal brake lights work back there?
Is it just the high mount not working?
They are all in parallel. Have you had any issues with water in either tail light?

Have you checked the wiring? On the left side of the trunk near the trunk damper there is a rubber piece with wiring going into it. When my third brake light wasn't working, I looked there and the wires where frayed. Might have to mess with that. Check the attachment.

I am using the stock 7443 bulbs for both brake lights and both lights are working. I had the normal condensation in the fall and fixed that issue. The driver side bulb burnt out due to that and replaced both with a new set, but didn't notice then if the third brake light stopped working at the same time.

At a quick glance, even inside the trunk lining, the wires are very clean and intact. I will inspect that wire in the corner that goes through the fender for any frayed wires tomorrow.

This. Even inside the black lining the wires tend to break easily. I removed the lining, replaced the worn part, soldered everything together and put electrical tape around everything. Since then it's fixed.

I had the same problem, replaced bulb and still didn't work.
Mazda fixed it; said it was one of the "connectors"? (Inexpensive), don't know the exact term as I don't have the bill on me.

Yep, that was it. I skimmed through the wires and felt it in the wire's lining just where they bend when the trunk is closed. Sliced it open and there it is. I just bound the two ends together and soldered it. I'm gonna buy about 3" of the same gauge wire and spice at both ends to extend the wire for more slack.

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3rd brake light doesn't want to work??


Delete 3rd brake light.


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/shameless trolling

With that ass, I wonder how long drivers behind you aimlessly follow?

With my GTO wing, I have a 4th brake light. 3rd brake light has a film that shows RX8 when lit.

@ Grace: i get a lot of tailgating. :dunno:

Glad you got it...............I will keep a look out for others that might have that same issue. Makes me wanna go check my wiring, but I shall wait until it doesn't work! :fingersx:

Just btw, you can't get pulled over in any state for not having that 3rd taillight operational.

Thanks, Mazurfer. I guess that's true, AlbatrossCafe, because I've had a few local police follow me lately and haven't had their lights flash to pull me over.

same...haven't had a 3rd brake light for 2 years. No tickets...

:dunno:

Brittle Wiring
 

I just fixed the high-mount brake light on my RX-8. Same problems as described here. The wiring on the left side of the trunk is enclosed in a nice plastic sheath; that looked like it was new so I was reluctant to pull it apart. But, when I did, found broken wires and a crack in the sheath of one of the conductors. I used a couple of connectors to restore continuity, and then taped everything up. The only concern I have now is whether this new "cable" will have enough flexibility when the trunk lid is opening and closing. I guess we'll see...

Easy, cheap fix
 

I had this problem a couple of years ago. I pulled the wiring out, removed the connectors at each end and made a new cable out of regular lamp cord by soldering the connectors to each end. A few wire ties to hold it in place and you're done. I haven't had a problem since. The OEM cable isn't flexible enough.

[QUOTE=Grace_Excel;4411355]Yep, that was it. I skimmed through the wires and felt it in the wire's lining just where they bend when the trunk is closed. Sliced it open and there it is. I just bound the two ends together and soldered it. I'm gonna buy about 3" of the same gauge wire and spice at both ends to extend the wire for more slack.

what gauge wire did you use?

Sell that trunk?

Just fixed my wires, they were broken in two places, and shorting out, blowing fusage.

Ran new silicone wires, no more cracky.

High mount break light
 

Found out that my third break light doesn't work, changed the bulb and everything wasn't until I looked closer that I realized that the wire running on the left was chip/had snap.

Been looking to purchase a new wiring but no luck. If anyone knows where I can get my hands on one plz inform me. Thanks

If the original gen-you-wine Mazda wire cracked like mine, why would you replace with the exact same type?

Replace the damage with some sexy-flexy silicone, solder it in and know it won't break no-mo.

Pretty sure it’s part of a much larger harness for the rear of the chassis which is a lot of money to buy and many hours to replace. So the common practice is to repair it as stated above. Butt end crimp connectors should work just as well as soldering them.

If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, just point a local auto electrical repair shop to the weblink for this thread and they shouldn’t have any problem fixing it.

You can buy the whole section of the harness for £54.99
Mazda RX-8 Wiring Harness for 3rd Brake Light ? Essex Rotary Store


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