SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Flashing 3rd Brake Light

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Old 11-21-21, 10:01 AM
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joemg
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Default Flashing 3rd Brake Light

This is a pretty nice modern safety mod... Has anyone tried adding it to our cars? Our brake lights are LED, so I think you can just wire this in-line with the 3rd brake light:

Amazon Amazon

Does anyone know off the top of their head how easy it is to access the 3rd brake light? I've never looked.
Attached Thumbnails Flashing 3rd Brake Light-61toesfsk7l._ac_sl1000_.jpg  
Old 11-21-21, 10:32 AM
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joemg
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I found this link which refers to a model that has a 10-second repeat delay. Meaning, it won't strobe them every time your foot hits the pedal, which is nice. It will only activate again if 10 seconds goes by without pressing the brake.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/...rite-up.69028/
Old 11-21-21, 11:26 AM
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Amazon Amazon

This one is interesting because you can program it. It even has a dynamic mode where it increases the delay between flashes if you're on/off the brakes in traffic which I like. I don't want it to be obnoxious.

Here is a quote from one of the reviews about the programming functionality:
The programming for me went like this:
Step 1:Flashing mode
1 – Standard
2 – Fast flashing followed by slow flashing.
3 – Continues change of flashing rate from high to slow

Step 2: Deactivation timeout(i.e. If mode 2 is selected and brakes are released and pressed before 3 seconds it will not flash. It will be a solid light)
1-No timeout
2 – 3seconds
3 – 5seconds
4 – 10seconds
5 – 20seconds
6 – Dynamic Timeout(extends timeout from 3/5/10/20/40 seconds every time brakes are depressed before timer expires)

Step 3: Light off intnsity(brightness of light between flashes)

Step 4: number of flashes 1-16

Step 5: flashing rate (fast to slow)

Step 6: continues mode
1 – Repeat after 6 sec
2 – Repeat after 12 sec
3 – Repeat after 18 sec
4 – Repeat after 24 sec
5 – Continues mode disabled
6 – Constant flashing. No solid brake light
Old 11-21-21, 03:12 PM
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GmanSC
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Originally Posted by joemg

https://amazon.com/iJDMTOY-GS-100A-S.../dp/B00N44WLXS

Does anyone know off the top of their head how easy it is to access the 3rd brake light? I've never looked.
Yes, it’s easy accessible. Just pop the liner.
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joemg (11-21-21)
Old 11-22-21, 12:22 AM
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joemg
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Some more information:

This one is a little less complicated than the highly customizable one above.

https://www.webelectricproducts.com/...ser-p264382490



When you hit your brakes for the first time, your 3rd brake light will flash 4 times and then go solid. The unit is designed to create a gentle fluttering of light, so your car is more noticeable, yet it doesn't aggravate the driver behind you.

The "Delay-Repeat" circuit means the brake lights have to be off for at least 15 seconds before the cycle can be restarted. So, if you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the brake light isn't always pulsing.

Also, for anyone curious about legality, it varies by state but here in California:

California vehicle Code 25251.5.

(c) Any stoplamp or supplemental stoplamp required or permitted by
Section 24603 may be equipped so as to flash not more than four
times within the first four seconds after actuation by application of
the brakes.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/f...ionNum=25251.5


This does what I want and isn't overly complicated. 15 seconds from the time the light goes off seems like a reasonable non-repeat timeout and it flashes 4 times which is within the legal limit for my state. I'm going to order one of these, I'll post pics when I wire it up.
Attached Thumbnails Flashing 3rd Brake Light-img_3125.png  

Last edited by joemg; 11-22-21 at 12:54 AM.
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