Different 3rd Brake Light Issue - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

What A PITA · 06-25-2025, 07:56 PM

Have a plain Jane 2013 Camaro. 3rd brake light (Up in the back window) works intermittently. Rest of the brake lights work fine. I've read what a pain changing this out is... but... when it's cool, usually in the morning, it works fine. Other times not so much. Since it lights up normally at times I don't want to go through changing it out. It clearly works and lights up when it wants to so it shouldn't be the actual led. On a side note my BCM was replaced about a week ago and programmed by the dealership. I had the problem before that and still do. Thought about changing the brake position sensor but my gut tells me that ain't it. But they're cheap and easy. Any thoughts on where to go with this? Wiring isn't really my forte but if you talk real slow I might be able to follow along lol Thanks in advance for any advice.

Joe.G · 06-25-2025, 09:55 PM

The LED chip on the light it self could be going out, Once it gets hot it starts to act up. Probably going to have to replace the light if you want/need it to work.

xstuntman · 06-27-2025, 09:21 PM

I pulled my 3rd brake light out when it went south and what a pain. If only I could hand out an arse kicking to that engineer.

Instead of buying GMs proprietary light I found a red LED strip at the parts store for less than $20 and siliconed it over top of the old light housing then tapped into the wiring behind the passengers side panel undernearh the rear quarter window. If it goes out i just snip the wires, peel it off and glue on a new one. And no, you can't tell the difference.

KISS principal.

What A PITA · 08-29-2025, 11:01 AM

I like the way you think!

Just FYI in Michigan you aren't required to have a working 3rd brake light. As long as the other 2 are working correctly. Unless there is a Federal 3rd Brake Light inspector running around lol. I haven't seen one. We don't have vehicle inspections so that's not an issue. People can spout all the federal laws they want but if your never going to get a ticket for it... *shrug*. I'm waiting for my 3rd brake light from UPS today. I think it's safer and a smart idea. But the real reason for doing it is I feel my car looks ghetto with it not working. But that's me. Do what ya want in Michigan. Michigan being close to Canada don't try that there, homie don't play that in Canada. Which is surprising considering how many other things they are lax on. Verified with my local cop shop and the Michigan State Police.

ChibiBlackSheep · 08-29-2025, 11:24 AM

Mine was intermittent for a bit too, and then finally fully went out. It's all self contained and would require removal

Just did it the other week. Yes it's a pain, but better do it myself than pay a mechanic all of that time.

What A PITA · 09-01-2025, 04:58 PM

Yeah did mine yesterday. It is a pain. More so probably cause I'm 70! But I think the car is cooler with it lol.

06-25-2025, 07:56 PM	#1
What A PITA Drives: Camaro LS Join Date: Jun 2025 Location: Michigan Posts: 15 View My Garage	Different 3rd Brake Light Issue Have a plain Jane 2013 Camaro. 3rd brake light (Up in the back window) works intermittently. Rest of the brake lights work fine. I've read what a pain changing this out is... but... when it's cool, usually in the morning, it works fine. Other times not so much. Since it lights up normally at times I don't want to go through changing it out. It clearly works and lights up when it wants to so it shouldn't be the actual led. On a side note my BCM was replaced about a week ago and programmed by the dealership. I had the problem before that and still do. Thought about changing the brake position sensor but my gut tells me that ain't it. But they're cheap and easy. Any thoughts on where to go with this? Wiring isn't really my forte but if you talk real slow I might be able to follow along lol Thanks in advance for any advice.

06-25-2025, 09:55 PM	#2
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,665	The LED chip on the light it self could be going out, Once it gets hot it starts to act up. Probably going to have to replace the light if you want/need it to work. __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

06-27-2025, 09:21 PM	#3
xstuntman Drives: 2012 Victory Red LFX Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: west central Texas Posts: 1,342	I pulled my 3rd brake light out when it went south and what a pain. If only I could hand out an arse kicking to that engineer. Instead of buying GMs proprietary light I found a red LED strip at the parts store for less than $20 and siliconed it over top of the old light housing then tapped into the wiring behind the passengers side panel undernearh the rear quarter window. If it goes out i just snip the wires, peel it off and glue on a new one. And no, you can't tell the difference. KISS principal. __________________ '18 SS wheels, colored matched Heritage grille, actual driving lights, ZL1 strut tower brace, GM Performance billet aluminum fuel door, victory red rotors and calipers, 1/4 window American flags, splash guards, AEM dry panel air filter, Hot Wheels steering wheel and seat covers, Hot Wheels exterior emblems.

08-29-2025, 11:24 AM	#5
ChibiBlackSheep Drives: 2012 2SS/RS, 1968 SS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southeast, PA Posts: 2,116	Mine was intermittent for a bit too, and then finally fully went out. It's all self contained and would require removal Just did it the other week. Yes it's a pain, but better do it myself than pay a mechanic all of that time. __________________ LS3 Crate Engine Swap \| CSP Custom Cam 232/240 .615/.615 113 +3 \| Stainless Power LT Headers \| Z28 Intake \| Borla S-Type Exhaust \| FTI Triple-Disc Billet 3200 Stall 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS \| 1968 Camaro SS \| 2020 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury \| 2021 Spark LS

08-29-2025, 11:01 AM	#4
What A PITA Drives: Camaro LS Join Date: Jun 2025 Location: Michigan Posts: 15 View My Garage	I like the way you think! Just FYI in Michigan you aren't required to have a working 3rd brake light. As long as the other 2 are working correctly. Unless there is a Federal 3rd Brake Light inspector running around lol. I haven't seen one. We don't have vehicle inspections so that's not an issue. People can spout all the federal laws they want but if your never going to get a ticket for it... shrug. I'm waiting for my 3rd brake light from UPS today. I think it's safer and a smart idea. But the real reason for doing it is I feel my car looks ghetto with it not working. But that's me. Do what ya want in Michigan. Michigan being close to Canada don't try that there, homie don't play that in Canada. Which is surprising considering how many other things they are lax on. Verified with my local cop shop and the Michigan State Police.

09-01-2025, 04:58 PM	#6
What A PITA Drives: Camaro LS Join Date: Jun 2025 Location: Michigan Posts: 15 View My Garage	Yeah did mine yesterday. It is a pain. More so probably cause I'm 70! But I think the car is cooler with it lol.