Hello folks,
I recently bought a 2023 Bolt EV and noticed when braking or slowing down, SUVs and trucks would appear to roll right up to my rear end as if they were not going to stop. This is especially true during stop and go traffic. Wife also noticed this and asked me to check the tail lights because she thought it might be broken. To my surprise, only the bumper mounted lights would turn on when braking. The lift gate light only activates when the parking light or headlight was turned on.
I searched the internet for a kit or replacement tail gate light that would have dual function as brake and parking lights but there was none. I decided to modify the Bolt's lift gate lights to turn on when the brake lights are activated. The lift gate lights had 1 level brightness and was not as bright as the bumper mounted brake lights but at least it would help add visibility. I did check for any digital or data signal on the positive voltage line and confirmed there was no signal. I believe these LED lights are not design to require any maintenance so the factory probably felt it was not necessary to monitor it's status anymore. "No more burn out incandescent bulbs to check for."
Note: When the parking light or headlight is turned on, the lift gate light would also be on so stepping on the brakes will not make any changes in brightness.
I made a video of the entire process. The modification was purposely done to be as simple as possible and not to include the turn signal function. There were 2 parts that was challenging for me.
The intent was to make sure bigger vehicles can see that I am braking or slowing down. Here is a simplified wiring diagram of the connection.
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In case anyone breaks their Shade pivot plastic bolt, here is the OEM par tnumber. 4236844
Its on youtube:
The modification have worked really well. i do notice SUVs giving me much more buffer room now.
I recently bought a 2023 Bolt EV and noticed when braking or slowing down, SUVs and trucks would appear to roll right up to my rear end as if they were not going to stop. This is especially true during stop and go traffic. Wife also noticed this and asked me to check the tail lights because she thought it might be broken. To my surprise, only the bumper mounted lights would turn on when braking. The lift gate light only activates when the parking light or headlight was turned on.
I searched the internet for a kit or replacement tail gate light that would have dual function as brake and parking lights but there was none. I decided to modify the Bolt's lift gate lights to turn on when the brake lights are activated. The lift gate lights had 1 level brightness and was not as bright as the bumper mounted brake lights but at least it would help add visibility. I did check for any digital or data signal on the positive voltage line and confirmed there was no signal. I believe these LED lights are not design to require any maintenance so the factory probably felt it was not necessary to monitor it's status anymore. "No more burn out incandescent bulbs to check for."
Note: When the parking light or headlight is turned on, the lift gate light would also be on so stepping on the brakes will not make any changes in brightness.
I made a video of the entire process. The modification was purposely done to be as simple as possible and not to include the turn signal function. There were 2 parts that was challenging for me.
- Removing the gate pivot "one time use" plastic bolt with out breaking them. I had to use a a pair of pliers to slowly pull it out of the lift gate. I modified these to make sure they can easily be removing the next time I needed to remove these plastic trim plates. In case anyone breaks the pivot, the part# is 42363844
- Re-installing the lower large trim panel. The retainer pins was difficult to align while holding the lift gate in place. I found that loosely closing the rear hatch on top of the lower trim panel help hold it in place while I snap all the retainer pins back in place.
The intent was to make sure bigger vehicles can see that I am braking or slowing down. Here is a simplified wiring diagram of the connection.
In case anyone breaks their Shade pivot plastic bolt, here is the OEM par tnumber. 4236844
Its on youtube:
The modification have worked really well. i do notice SUVs giving me much more buffer room now.
