Brake light stays on ALL THE TIME

[Signumowner]

Hi, I have an 03 reg Signum Design T. The left stde brake light stays on even when the ignition is off. I had it looked at by an Auto electrician who diagnosed a faulty (and he'd never know one go before) REM.

It seems this module controls the brahe lighte etc (and allows a side light to act as a brake light in case of failure) but mine does nothing if I remove the brake bulb.

I assume I need a new mod from Vauxhall or is there an alternative, Ebay etc but I believe the new mod will need reprogramming?

[rushy]

You will need one in delivery mode, if its just taken from a car without being programed out it will not work with your car. It will then need programing in to your car. I presume this is correct as its what is needed with other modules throughout the car.

[Signumowner]

Vauxhall quoting £320 plus VAT just for the part, plus programming, seems a bit of a rip off!

[rockh]

It's not a cheap part , from memory that price sounds about right from what other posters have quoted.

[Ste]

Is it just the near side brake light that doesn't work properly? Have you tried checking all the connectors along the way up to the mudule and making sure the module connections are clean?


I wonder what would happen if you took a wire from the right hand side brake light to power the left side until you can fix it? Or remove the brake light bulb and see if the other tail light on that side takes over brake light function?

[connery-sri]

i had this happen to my vec after owning it for 1 week. Heard its about 500 to fix. Luckily the garage i got it from. They used a local auto electritian.

[Signumowner]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the advice. I think the above post concerning the circa £500 to fix will be about right. I had a local auto electrician look at it and I've just spent ther last hour removing all the trim at the back so I can get to see the problem. The guys thinks it's the Rear Electrical Control (REC), I have checked all the connectors, powered down the unit and checked all the fuses, same problem.

I think I've located a few on Fleabay for £20 BUT it's been mentioned they have to be programmed out of and into into the car, wonder if mine just needs a re-programming? Not sure why as they are doing the same job regardless of what car they are fitted in.

My local VX dealer did not even bother to call back when I asked for a price (must have too much business). Eventually spoke to another dealer who had to call the factory to see what the part was! Anyway as I first mentioned £320 + vat + fitting & programming, so steeling myself for the bad news....