[speter2]

Hello guys! This is my first time posting on the forum, so bear with me if I make some mistakes. Recently I've brought my first ever car, which is a lovely i30 FD 2009. I love the car so far, I've already fitted a sunroof lamp as mine didn't come with one and also installed an android head unit. Everything is perfect with it mechanically except some electrical issues. My main issue is that the 3rd brake lamp, which is in the rear top, doesn't work when I press the brake pedal. I've found a genuine one and tried to replace it myself. When I connect the new lamp and press the brake pedal, I get the same issue, basically nothing happens. I'm suspecting there might be an issue with the cable. I also have one other strange issue, when I open the trunk, the trunk light flickers intensively, but if it reaches the top or I stop moving the light is steady. Which makes me think, there might be some kind of contact issue somewhere, but I have no idea where or how to look for one.
I'm hoping that maybe someone more knowledgable than myself, has some hints or tips. Thank you for your time and effort in helping me!

[Aye30]

Hi, Check the brake pedal switch. Some models have separate circuits in the one switch.

[speter2]

Hi, Check the brake pedal switch. Some models have separate circuits in the one switch.

Hi! Thank you for your tip, I really appreciate it! Do you know where could I find this switch? And if you could send me a part number, so I can look for a new one? Do you know if there is a tutorial on how to change it?

[Aye30]

In the footwell connected to the brake pedal assembly, different regions have different part numbers. In Australia, this switch, for this year, had a recall. The brake lights behaved like on a delay , and the esp and cruise control was affected.

[Greyhound]

Re. Brake pedal switch/s part numbers.
You can enter your car VIN number at https://partsouq.com/ and look there for part numbers for your specific vehicle.

[speter2]

Re. Brake pedal switch/s part numbers.
You can enter your car VIN number at http://partsouq.com/ and look there for part numbers for your specific vehicle.

Thank you very much for this hint. I think I might've found the switch in question.
Could you guys double check it for me, is this the switch in question? It seems very expensive so I would like to double check before buying it.
brake-switch hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB

[speter2]

In the footwell connected to the brake pedal assembly, different regions have different part numbers. In Australia, this switch, for this year, had a recall. The brake lights behaved like on a delay , and the esp and cruise control was affected.

Do you know how could I get to it? What trims and how do I need to take out? Where are the screws? I tried looking for a guide but couldn't find anything. :'(
Upon further investigation, I've realized that something is strange/off. So the switch has only 2 pins. Which begs the question, how does the switch differentiate between the upper and middle lamps? I'm guessing there must be another logic/board or something, that separates the 2 lamps.

[Aye30]

Out of curiosity, would it be possible for you to take detailed photos of your switch in your footwell,  with close ups of the connectors and the wiring?

[speter2]

Out of curiosity, would it be possible for you to take detailed photos of your switch in your footwell,  with close ups of the connectors and the wiring?

This week appears to be very busy, hopefully I'll get the chance to do it this weekend. I'll also take some pictures for you

[Lorian]

As I recall its the one trim panel to remove around the pedals then yoga style manoeuvre upside down on you back in the driver seat to get your head to be able to see what you are doing

[speter2]

Sorry guys for the late reply. But life happened and couldn't get a time to do the job.
I've managed to fix it. It turns out, the switch was fine, I suspected that much because the normal rear break lights worked. The culprit was that 3 main cables inside the tail trim grommet were cut/damaged: one main ground (I'm guessing for the lock or the swiper) and 2 minor ones (the + and - for the 3rd light). After fixing those all of my contact and weird issues went away and also the 3rd brake light started working.
I really appreciate all the help and love I've gotten.
Now I just need to figure out, how to get the radio antenna to work properly with my aftermarket head unit, I have poor reception. But that's another project for an another day