Blinking 3rd brake light???

I've been talking to a dealer over the phone about a new TRD OR. He said the truck has a dealer add-on that makes the third break light strobe or blink. I don't want the feature, but it's a truck in the configuration I like.

Does this mean they've removed the third brake light cover and messed around in there? What exactly is this "feature"? Never heard of it.

Help me out. What questions should I be asking? Due to seeing posts of water leaking in his area, I don't like the fact that they've been messing around in that location. What say you, TW?

 

It is just a module (or relay, whichever word you prefer) that makes the break light flash a few times before going solid. They would have accessed the wires from underneath the headliner to splice the module in. Personally they are stupid and just another way the dealership can charge a few hundred extra. I wouldn’t let it stop you from buying the truck as long as the price is right.

 

I used to install those when I worked at Toyota. It's just power and ground. We usually just removed the third light assembly and installed that way so not to do anything with headliner. Not sure what they priced it at. But it's a nice feature to have. I had it on my second Gen. The one I had only blinked fast when I slammed on the brakes to alert drivers other than that it worked like a normal brake light

 

Unfortunately for 3rd Gens, you have to remove the headliner to get to the third light, FWTW....

 

Yep, they’re messing around in that area...if you get it, make sure to monitor for leaks from the light.

 

Not on access cabs! They are removable from the outside same as the Gen 2’s.

 

I wonder if that is legal?

 

You would have to check your states regs, in Oregon all it says about flashing brake lights is they are allowed on motorcycles.

 

Wonder why it would be different?

 

It’s a Russian listening device

 

My old ambulance had it, and they really grab the attention of people around you. It also had 5 brake lights instead of 3, but still. They work well. I wouldn’t worry about it as long as they don’t charge you a couple hundred and your first born for it

 

I hate those. So annoying to be stuck in traffic with some idiots 3rd light constantly flashing.

 

Access cabs don’t get cargo lights! We were robbed!

 

I just changed the taillights on one of my ambulances to LEDs and the patterns are changeable. I set this one to a double fast flash then solid on for the brake lights.

I feel it's super helpful as it demands attention of those behind you that you're applying the brakes.

 

I have those but not on my 3rd brake light... its on main stop lights and installed it from day one i bought truck... I got pulled over twice by Highway Patrol and a LAPD on different occasion.. Not for giving me warning nor a ticket for that but i get a compliment for a safety light..

 

I like the idea on an ambulance or other emergency/rescue vehicle. But for the masses, meh. I'd rather not see them on the road. I can't recall a single time in my life where a blinking brake light in front of me "saved me". Or the person in front of me.

Thanks for all the info, guys. Think I'm gonna pass on this one. I don't like the idea of the headliner being pulled down in a new truck, nor do I like the idea of some random pulling the third brake light and sealing it up again. Particularly when there's been known problems in this area. Just an opinion.

 

They are illegal in some areas. I don't like them on passenger cars.

I do agree with them on bike brake lights though, but they are intended for ambulances.

 

I used a programmable flasher off Amazon. Nice and compact with many settings. Wires inline if the brake signal wire. I’m using it on my little grom mini bike because I want to be seen. On a passenger vehicle it’s a little overkill IMO. Just get some bright tail light replacement bulbs.

 

(7) Brake lights shall not project a glaring or dazzling light. Another line from the Oregon rules, looks like the KC high mount lights wouldn’t be allowed in Oregon per this.

 

Does anyone know if the rapid flash 3rd brake light module that Morimoto sells will fit with the OEM 3rd brake light? The Morimoto website says it won't but I bet that's just to get folks to buy they're entire assembly. I don't wanna spend $200+ bucks just to get my top brake light to pulse.