CurtisA 1 Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 This may be a rather dumb question, but I've had my Spark for almost a year now. I notice the tail light above the rear window flashes 5-6 time before turning solid when breaking. I think this is normal, the only reason I question it is because I was behind a Spark at a stop light, when they started to break no flashing tail light. Just wanted to confirm? Link to post Share on other sites
WaltK 305 Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 I don't think so, I believe the light is steady. Maybe someone else will jump in and confirm. Link to post Share on other sites
CurtisA 1 Posted January 18, 2014 Author Share Posted January 18, 2014 Interesting... Link to post Share on other sites
CurtisA 1 Posted January 18, 2014 Author Share Posted January 18, 2014 This is a different car obviously but this is pretty much what it does, but it's 4-5 flashes longer than whats seen in this video. Link to post Share on other sites
Shane Duus 6 Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 It is a great saftey feature that I wish that they did have! Link to post Share on other sites
CurtisA 1 Posted January 18, 2014 Author Share Posted January 18, 2014 Well my Spark does have it, but if others don't then I need to narrow down why mine does. It was bought new, I wonder if this was done by the dealer or for another reason before I bought it. I don't mind that it has it and it is a good feature on this small of a car. I just want to know why mine would have it and others don't. Link to post Share on other sites
Smikster 10 Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 (edited) this is a 5 dollar dealer add on they charge you up to $3000 for. check your bill of sale. I refuse to shop at dealers that do add-ons before you even get a choice. http://www.pulseprotects.com/home you can buy, build the same thing for less then 10 bucks, if they did a dealer trade the ad-on may not be listed in your invoice as it's really cheap. Edited January 18, 2014 by Smikster Link to post Share on other sites
CurtisA 1 Posted January 18, 2014 Author Share Posted January 18, 2014 (edited) That actually makes a ton of sense! I remember the dealer I got my Spark from had it transferred from another dealer in the state. The plus is my Spark was priced at the right MSRP, so I didn't see a spike in price because that was installed. I don't mind that it's there, I have a baby and I have seen it make drivers behind me notice I'm stopping, especially in heavy rain and snow. The down side is I had no say so in that part being on my car, I assumed the Spark's came stock with it because of their size. Thanks Edited January 18, 2014 by CurtisA Link to post Share on other sites
Hobo1 8 Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 Interesting. Mine doesn't have it. Link to post Share on other sites
CurtisA 1 Posted January 19, 2014 Author Share Posted January 19, 2014 I think we've come to the conclusion that it was added to my Spark at a dealer before being transferred to the dealer I bought it from. Link to post Share on other sites
Greg_E 211 Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 Or yours is defective, stock they do not flash. Link to post Share on other sites
Greg_E 211 Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 Or yours is defective, stock they do not flash. Link to post Share on other sites
CurtisA 1 Posted January 19, 2014 Author Share Posted January 19, 2014 It doesn't seem defective. Doesn't matter the speed or if I'm sitting still. It looks programmed to do it, so I'd lean more towards it was installed at the dealer that my dealer got it from. I look further into it in my paperwork when I get a chance. Link to post Share on other sites
NoSprak 17 Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 Can you get a video of it? I have seen this on a few cars. Have really considered something like that for my Focus! Link to post Share on other sites
Lil Dew 14 Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 Mine flashes when I first put on the brakes. It is normal for it to do that. There was a sticker on the rear window when I bought the car that said the third brake light flashes for safety. Flashes quick for a second or so then goes solid. My car is an early model '13. Link to post Share on other sites
Gossamer 50 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) Just be aware, that while it is not usually enforced, it is illegal in most places to have any flashing red light on a non emergency vehicle. I know of a couple of guys that got tickets for having flashing tail lights on their motorcycles, because it gave the cops something to stop them for. Edited January 30, 2014 by Gossamer Link to post Share on other sites
Lil Dew 14 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I would bet that all of the Sparks do this. It happens quickly that you wouldn't really notice from inside the car. My instructor's Spark does it as well. We just checked it. She has a '13 LS, Denim. Link to post Share on other sites
Shane Duus 6 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I will have to double check this in the morning. I am 99% sure mine does not do this. I have a '14 LS. Link to post Share on other sites
CurtisA 1 Posted January 31, 2014 Author Share Posted January 31, 2014 So we have a few that have had this. Well I'm at least I'm not the only one! If I got pulled over and got ticketed for it I would be pretty pissed. I just wanted to know if it was common, with the amount of snow and rain we've been getting here in Indy it helps. I think it's saved my Spark a few times when people are behind me in heavy snow fall. I like it! I will try to get a video up soon! Link to post Share on other sites
Lil Dew 14 Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 Yes, your third brake light is working as designed. Link to post Share on other sites
yuwan63755 8 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 My '14 2LT does not have pulsating 3rd brake light. Just solid LEDs. Yours must have been dealer add-on. Link to post Share on other sites
Lil Dew 14 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 No dealer add on for mine. I even went to my local dealer on Thursday, and one of their 14's on the lot pulse as well. They had to appraise the car for GM Corp. You must let off the brakes for a moment or two then press the pedal. You can do it in park as well. The third LED brake light will quickly flash 4 times and then burn solid. It does not constantly pulse, and if you let off your brakes and immediately press them again, then it will not do it. Link to post Share on other sites
yuwan63755 8 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I will try it the way you describe and see if that causes the flashing. Link to post Share on other sites
yuwan63755 8 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 In park, mine only is solid 3rd brake light. No pulsating feature at all. Tried in gear as well and still only solid red. Link to post Share on other sites
Lil Dew 14 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Just to clarify, are you behind the vehicle to see it, or have a reflection in which to see it in? You cannot see it from inside the car. I will try and take a video of mine and post it up. Link to post Share on other sites
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