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182 cup spoiler brake light repair - options for sources? + issue with main rear light unit



  BG 182 FF
Hi all,
The top level brake light on my car's gone out and been marked as a major in the MOT. Slightly peeved since I'd seen another Clio near me only get an advisory for the same issue but realistically I suppose it should be done. Those who've had this issue occur on their 182s with the Cup spoiler will know the torturous endeavour that is sourcing a new one - I believe the part was only used on the 182 Cups and the Mk1 Megane Coupe and isn't manufactured by Renault any more. Breakers seem to want to sell the whole spoiler for £100+ usually, which I don't much like the sound of if there are cheaper options.
I've heard of repairing the actual unit itself by cleaning connectors or replacing the LED strip - if the former doesn't work, what cheaper light unit could I buy to harvest the strip from? I think I've read the standard Mk2/3 light works for this purpose but not sure. If there are any good compatible sub-£30 alternatives I'd be glad to hear about them.

Also, while I'm here... another failure point was that the back-left position light dims ever so slightly when the indicator illuminates. Anyone had this before or know how to begin diagnosing the issue? I would've thought it's a problem with power supply to the actual unit rather than a bulb given the symptoms but maybe I'm wrong.

TIA for both.
 

TheBandit

ClioSport Club Member
  Monaco172, Green1.2
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JMRS make replacement strips
 
  BG 182 FF
Mine does this about every 12 months, have to take the unit apart and clean up the contacts. Some say the earth point causes the same fault by my earths were all mint.
My reading's also led me to believe the earth's the usual culprit; good to know to take a look at the other contacts too though, thanks. I'll check it over once I can actually get the plastic fastener thing in the boot to budge. Is there a tool for this or something, or is it just a case of trying harder?
 

T3gav

ClioSport Club Member
My reading's also led me to believe the earth's the usual culprit; good to know to take a look at the other contacts too though, thanks. I'll check it over once I can actually get the plastic fastener thing in the boot to budge. Is there a tool for this or something, or is it just a case of trying harder?

The black nut? Just un twists by hand, the lamp casing just has plastic clips that feels like they will snap because Renault but you don't need any tools from memory :)
 
  BG 182 FF
The top brake light pried out with a thin plastic blade much more easily than the guide on this forum had me fear, but it doesnt pull out of the spoiler far enough for me to access the connector clip. No Torx screwdrivers in the house somehow so that's on the shopping list before detaching the spoiler.

The black nut? Just un twists by hand, the lamp casing just has plastic clips that feels like they will snap because Renault but you don't need any tools from memory
Managed it with a pair of pliers and the acceptance that the nut wouldn't end in the same shape it started as. The procedure was easy after getting that first 10° of rotation.
All pins in the connector for the light unit look pretty good, but the bulb contacts have a little black to the bottom of them, so I expect it'll be a case of either filing them or getting a new bulb at worst.
 


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