Cadillac CTS Third Brake Light Common DIY Fixes - 2008 to 2013

How to fix and diagnose a non-working third brake light on the Cadillac CTS V6 3.0L or V6 3.6L or V8, including the CTS-V.
The third brake light commonly fails. The problem and the fix isn't always what it seems. The LED replacement fixture is costly to replace, so you want to be 100% certain that it has failed before you buy a replacement. A new after market LED replacement is over $200 and the GM part is considerably more. In this video, I cover the most common faults and the fix was surprising cheap and simple DIY that anyone can do.
The third brake light is also commonly referred to as a high level brake light, or safety brake lamp, or center high mount stop lamp.
Video applicable to all Cadillac CTS years (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013).
Tools Required:
- 7MM wrench or socket
- long flat screw driver
- micro flat screw driver
- trim removal kit
- crimp tool (optional) - Best solution to the fix shown in the video
- wire butt connectors (optional) - Best solution to the fix shown in the video
Car shown: 2011 Cadillac CTS4 with the V6 3.0L engine.
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Please see my other Cadillac videos on my Handy Val channel for other informative and easy to follow automobile how-to videos, including filter changes, battery changes, key fobs, and how to save on gas and others.
Disclaimer - The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. I do my best to provide accurate and complete information, however, I assume no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from any of the information contained in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Handy Val, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Handy Val always recommends safe practices.

[@phoenixashes1371]

Thanks, the exact same wire same place...

[@HandyVal]

Thank you. It’s certainly a flaw in their design. Luckily, it’s easy to get to.

[@nucleus101]

Thank you for the video.

[@null046]

We have a 2008 cts and it has a light issue with the taillights, license plate lights and the 3rd brake light if I remember right. That hard plastic harness where the wires come into the trunk is where every light issue with the car was. Because that hard plastic doesn't allow the wires to move enough and I had to splice and put back together 3 wires and everything was working again. So I just cut that hard plastic piece in half to allow the wires to have greater flexibility

[@HandyVal]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s very helpful. Did you cut the hard plastic in half and then kept the two pieces in their usual position? That is, you didn’t take any of the hard plastic away but just cut it in half only.

[@null046]

@@HandyVal yes, I cut it in that bend it has so the wires could have more flexibility.

[@jimruddy4399]

Your video was perfect found the neutral wire broken in the same spot as yours was able to use a solderless crimp to fix it 👍 thanks again

[@HandyVal]

Thank you. Smart idea with the solderless crimp. Should last a long time.

[@jimruddy4399]

@@HandyVal I forgot to mention I have a2009 caddy CTS I was able to pull some slack from above which made it easier to crimp the wire

[@kingsdetailing2242]

😮

[@HandyVal]

A bad design flaw but luckily it’s a fairly easy fix.