TECH HELP PLEASE - 98 Q45t Spoiler Light

[bobbuzz]

Hi all,

I'm trying to find out the part number for the spoiler-mounted 3rd. brake light on my 98 Q45t. I first posted regarding how to get the lens out, and what size bulbs it takes. I didn't get any good info, so now I’ve actually purchased a junked one in order to inspect it. It appears to be a sealed unit. I can't see any way that one could remove the lens without breaking it. Inside are 48 led’s soldered to a board, with two leads coming out, with a molex plug.

At this point, I think I just want the part number, but can’t tell which one it is. Here are all the numbers on the front and back. I do realize that the voltage, plastic type, standard vs. metric, etc., are not part of the number, but I thought I’d include everything.

I would be greatly appreciative for any help.
Best regards,
Bob

Numbers on lens:
• S3
• E13(the “E” in a larger font, and a circle around the E13)
• 024002
• DOT SAU U 95
• NISSAN ICHIKOH
• 4706
On the back plate:
• 4D
• 12v 4W
• HOUSING >ABS<SAE
• LENS > PMMA < SAE
• PMMA (Within a rectangle)

Here are a few pics:
http://webpages.charter.net/pinballbuzz

[BadQ45t]

Make a trip to your local Infiniti dealership parts counter and get the guy to open up the schematics, that will tell you. I would think those have to be replaceable, but I have used those guys for this type of thing. Hopefully it is not a painfully expensive part, if it is try to get the part number "for later" and then order from Infiniti of Scotsdale for cheaper.

[Q451990]

Definitely a sealed unit. Does your used one work?

You should be able to just call your preferred parts guy and tell him the year and model and be done with it?

Heath

[bobbuzz]

Hi All,

So here’s the ongoing saga of the spoiler-mounted brake light.

All I originally wanted to do was replace about seven burnt-out led's in my spoiler-mounted brake light. My hope was that the lens just popped-out, and I’d replace some bulbs.
So here is all the information I’ve been able to gather. Firstly, the part does not have the number on it. I called the Infinity dealer down the street from me, and they used my VIN to get the part number. The light assembly is, in fact, a sealed unit. They were out of stock, but their price was $322.00. Infinitipartsusa.com has them at $241, and orderinfinitiparts.com has it for $227. I didn't check stock, but there was a button that said "add to cart," so I'm assuming they have them. I did however, find a place called Spoilerlights.com, and although the ones pictured under the 1998 Q45t didn't look correct, their prices start around $50. I’ve sent them some pictures of the assembly, and they replied with a couple solutions. I wrote them back, saying that I’d send them my extra junked one, and I’m waiting to hear back.

I certainly didn’t think this was going to be such a big deal, but I owe it to my beloved Q45.

For anyone who needs the part number for the 1997-98 spoiler-mounted break light assembly, it is 265906P900

Bob

[Q451990]

Thanks for the update. Maybe there are places that rebuild these? Those sealed LED assemblies are amazingly expensive - but they're supposed to last the lifetime of the car. I'm assuming your junkyard one didn't work either?

Heath

[maxnix]

I have seen a ton of GM products over the last decade and a half with burnt-out LED in the CHMBL.

[qship96]

The common huge rated lifespan {often 50,000-100,000 hours or lifetime} of LEDs has proven to be grossly exaggerated and mostly a dream- I have seen numerous LED failures in newer cars,and in consumer goods, especially Christmas light strings and household replacement bulbs. Hopefully time will drive down prices and increase quality.

[Q451990]

LED life is all about heat management, which can be difficult in a mobile environment.

Heath

[BadQ45t]

Thanks for all this research. I checked mine to just see if it still worked, it is a 97' and does, but I only have 95k which for a 97' is pretty low. I would just drop $250 at this point if I were you and call it a day. That should take you to the cars end of life.

[BadQ45t]

Thanks for all this research. I checked mine to just see if it still worked, it is a 97' and does, but I only have 95k which for a 97' is pretty low. I would just drop $250 at this point if I were you and call it a day. That should take you to the cars end of life.

[qship96]

LED life is all about heat management, which can be difficult in a mobile environment.

Heath

Except for those little led christmas light strings that operate in the cold month of December/January outdoors and still many times die an early death!

[bobbuzz]

I've been exchanging information with a guy named Gabriel at spoilerlights.com. He swears he has the exact fitment for the 98 Q45t; However, the original has three screw tabs for mounting, and theirs uses a 3M adhesive. Judging by the lights I've seen on their web page, they have around 35 led's in them, opposed to the 48 for the OEM. They have some, (not sure for my car,) that have clear lens's with red led's. I just emailed them to see if they have one for the q45.

Now for the big question; does anyone know how to get the old one out? It has the screw tabs, and I'm not sure if I can get to it through the trunk trim, or if I'll have to remove the entire spoiler. I really hope that it's not a huge deal.

Regards,

Bob