Spoiler LED High Level Brake lights failure

The AU spoiler High level Brake light was a TAIWANESE (!!) unit on a Taiwanese spoiler. The LED unit failed and they can't be replaced. I pulled the spoiler off and had to drill out the rusty securing screws to extract LED light unit. Once out, I found all the lights had failed due to water getting in. (had to carefully break out sealed back) I de-soldered all the LEDS and replaced with JAYCAR ELECTRONICS high intensity RED leds, and 68 Ohm resisters. The diode had failed also, but that's just a polarity protection diode. I used an IN4001 (garden variety).
When finished, I tested the unit on a GEL CELL 12 volt battery, and carefully taped the light with black masking tape. Then I filled the back with silicone gel and smoothed it out with a blade. Works perfectly! Not sure if anyones had the same problem in Australia, but interested to find out.
PS: Dont put too much heat on circuit board tracks as they can lift, do this job sober, and without distractions!! :
Dont get hacked off and spend 200$ on a spoiler, just to get the light working. It cost me $28 and an hours time.

[richo77]

hiya mate, the spoiler light on my XR is a Hella and is made in New Zealand.. i can vouch that it came that way from factory. all the LEDS still light up no problems with it yet. maybe yours is an aftermarket jobbie??

....yeah I think so. Bleedin Heck, the last thing I want to see on an Auzzie Ford is " Made in Taiwan". They can make it there, but I don't want to know!!