Inside A Failed Renault Clio 3rd/High Level Brake Light (Strip Down and Diagnosis)

Just a quick thing I did over Easter. Stripping down the high level brake light from our Clio 2. A lot of these fail and in this video we find out why.
Link to Video: High level brake light change • Renault Clio 2 - High ...

[@klepsidratech5557]

Nice diagnosis video. I've seen similar problem on mk2 Clio about a year ago, but in this case it was water ingress, not cold solder. Traced the source of a problem with my cheap multimeter. Managed to fix the light module, as the lens wasn't glued very well to the casing (hence the water ingress) so I was able to pry it open with a box cutter and a flat-head screwdriver. Sprayed the electronics with plenty of contact cleaner, left it to dry on a hot summer day and then sealed it with superglue and some high temperature silicon sealant. It still works so I guess it was worth it - since I already had all the tools and chemical products it basically cost me nothing to fix it, just my time.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Interesting. That sounds like poor quality control on their part. A lot of these 3rd brake lights fail, not surprising there's more than one failure mode.

[@robsmithracing]

I’m so glad I found this page. Really is a gem of information. And as a clio owner I found the info very helpful. You’ve gained another subscriber.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Welcome to the channel!

[@felipepisaneschi1396]

Thank you very much for this video. Ive got one of these in Brazil and I will open it to see what the fault is and try fixing it

[@felipepisaneschi1396]

Thank you so much mine had the same problem as yours. I just opened a little hole from behind so I could solder it

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

I'm really glad the video helped you.

[@porkpie2884]

I hate it when they prevent people form repairing stuff. It's wasteful. With easy access that dry joint could be fixed in a a couple of minutes.

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

They don't want us getting into it let alone repairing it.

[@porkpie2884]

@@SocketsAndSideburns Yep. btw have you ever changed a wheel bearing on the Clio?

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Rear ones yes. Very common on these. Never a front one though on a Clio.

[@loganmedia1142]

Exactly. It could have been held together with a couple of screws and a gasket to keep out water. But that would both increase manufacturing cost and mean they couldn't rip you off on a new unit when it dies.

[@nathanielhoy96]

Mine recently went bad on my MK3, came up as an advisory on the MOT. I assume the two other rear brake lights are on the same circuit so I imagine the plug will have voltage (I'll test it anyway before ordering a replacement). Nice to know the likely causes behind this fault though. Cheers.

[@johncarlisle7750]

Do you know if there's any videos on how to remove the accelerator cable for a 1999 clio

[@porkpie2884]

classic dry joint.

[@farerse]

Interesting to see how parts fail. I have seen repair videos where someone used a glue that melts the plastic together , maybe that's what the factory used here. Will you be doing the timing belt? Or have already done it?? I think that's on my todo list .. cheers

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Could be, it was as though it was fused together. The timing belt is part of the next batch of bigger repairs which I'm starting on now. I have more time now to work on videos so content should be coming faster from now on.

[@farerse]

@@SocketsAndSideburns fabulous, I enjoy your repair videos!

[@raoufy3063]

Hi, my friend, I have Renault Clio 2005 1.2 16v, I want to change the fuel filter but I tried to find its location, but I don't know where it is ?? it is not beside the fuel tank below the car !!!!

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

On early models pre June 2001 there was a fuel filter fitted to the front of the fuel tank. You can check there to see if your car is fitted with one. The bracket to hold it was never removed from the tanks so it should be obvious whether you have one or not. On later 1.2 16v Clios like the one in the video the filter is in the tank as part of the fuel feed unit and is not a service item.

[@raoufy3063]

@@SocketsAndSideburns thanks a lot of answering.

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍

[@stephenthatcher6883]

They are only £39 new so I think it would be easier to buy on

[@SocketsAndSideburns]

Definitely, that what I did. This video is a demonstration of how NOT to take it apart.