I recently visited my dealer due to a burned out rear right brake light. Upon the dealer's inspection, they said I needed an entire rear taillight assembly since the problem is electrical in nature (approx $340 parts). My question is everything else works within the rear light housing (i.e. reverse lights, park lights) -just no brighter rear light when the brake pedal is depressed. Does the dealer's solution sound correct and does anyone know where I can find this part cheaper?

 

If it's a problem with the socket for the light bulb, then you can get the wiring harness for the tail light seperately.
Should cost around $70.

 

yeah sounds like bs

 

Please post an update (how the DIY or dealer fix went) after you install the new wiring harness - I have the same issue with a bad socket (rear fog light).
Thanks,
rb

 

definately sounds like bs, if there's current getting to the bulb for the low light, then it's almost certain to be a bad socket, check the connections yourself with a volt/ohm meter, you'll know in about 5 minutes.

 

Based on your suggestion I think I have a bad socket. How is this repaired? What part do I buy?

 

As Gert said Porsche only sells the harness (all 4 sockets prewired). If you want to replace just the socket you would need to go to a salvage yard.

 

I recently had a bad taillight socket on my car. I had just been to the dealer (for rms replacement) and didn't feel like going back, so I decided on self help. The contacts in the socket are long strips that are folded over, like an extended "C". In mine, the strip had broken off at the bend. The remaining part was long enough that I could bend it over with long nose pliers to make contact with the bulb. Quick and dirty repair in under 5 minutes.