[Noodle555]

Originally Posted by silbul

I seem to recall from the sales brochure something about adaptive brake lights. IIRC, the adaptive lights meant that there were more lights/brighter lights under harder braking? Possibly what is happening here?

Correct. These only light up when the "adaptive braking" is in use. So normally they only look dim. I retrofitted the LED lights and did the mod to have them on all the time. It is very easy and I still have a last pair of wires left to do the mod if you want them.

[sleeks]

Can someone with OEM LED tails (04-06) confirm that with headlights on (and not modified to have the ring on) that the outer ring is lit?

[SupersprintNA]

Originally Posted by sleeks

Can someone with OEM LED tails (04-06) confirm that with headlights on (and not modified to have the ring on) that the outer ring is lit?

The adaptive brake lights work the same whether the headlights (and thus the parking lights) are on or off.

When the parking lights/headlights are OFF, the outer ring DOES NOT illuminate under normal braking. Under heavy/panic braking the outer ring DOES illuminate as an attempt to warn drivers behind you that you are braking harder than normal.

When the parking lights/headlights are ON, the outer ring DOES illuminate dimly AT ALL TIMES. Under heavy/panic braking the outer ring illuminates BRIGHTER (at the same level as the rest of the brake lights) as described above.

From your picture it appears the lower 3 LEDs of the outer ring are not illuminated, this is not normal operation under any circumstance.

[sleeks]

Originally Posted by SupersprintNA

The adaptive brake lights work the same whether the headlights (and thus the parking lights) are on or off.

When the parking lights/headlights are OFF, the outer ring DOES NOT illuminate under normal braking. Under heavy/panic braking the outer ring DOES illuminate as an attempt to warn drivers behind you that you are braking harder than normal.

When the parking lights/headlights are ON, the outer ring DOES illuminate dimly AT ALL TIMES. Under heavy/panic braking the outer ring illuminates BRIGHTER (at the same level as the rest of the brake lights) as described above.

From your picture it appears the lower 3 LEDs of the outer ring are not illuminated, this is not normal operation under any circumstance.

Mine operate like this, however the three are very dim if you look close and not illuminated like the rest. I think I have to replace the taillight now.

Thanks to all

[SamkM3]

If you replace your taillight let me know if you plan on discarding your old one i wouldnt mind taking it apart and working on it when im bored at work.