Changing the 3-x led circuit board in the auxiliary brake light on a 2013 Ford B-Max FORD B-MAX (JK)

FORD B-MAX (JK) 1.0 EcoBoost

@Dolly

30.11.2022 03:23

Member

I have a 2013 Ford B-Max – yes, I know, I can feel the gasps of dismay already; not one of Ford’s most popular models – however, as a concept vehicle, it serves me very well. I pay monthly for a service contract and always take it to the main dealer, from whom I originally purchased it new, to have it maintained.

Recently the third or auxiliary brake light in the middle of the tailgate at the top failed. To supply and fit, Ford want £150.00 for what, to me, is little more than a bulb change – i.e., from a light that doesn’t work to one that does. Of course, they will only supply the entire unit hence the extortionate cost – £80.00 for the unit and £70.00 to fit.

I have the unit out of the car – very easy to do without even the use of tools, and it is now dismantled into its 4 basic components: the red transparent part, the lens housing, the lens and the 3 x led Valeo circuit board (B003611-C). It would be the easiest thing in the world to re-clip a new circuit board back into the lens, the lens into the housing, the housing into the red transparent part and, with the simple connection of one small 2 pin plug and the washer hose, the whole unit back into the vehicle; it would take a few minutes at most.

You know what I want to know by now I’m sure, but it would so gratify me if I was able to source the led circuit board and, apart from any other consideration, to save the wanton waste of 3 perfectly serviceable plastic parts which, heaven forbid, may end up in the Pacific.

Actually, it’s not about the money, it’s not that I can’t afford it, but sometimes a sense of reality overwhelms a person, or a matter of principle raises its head as it has with me.

I wouldn’t expect Ford personnel to work this hard for me, but if there is anyone that can help me in my quest to beat the system, I would be so pleased – there must be a kindred spirit out there

Started

30.11.22

Latest reply

08.08.25

Replies

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752

@Oliver Jones

08.08.2025 16:08

Member

Ah, the classic "Ford main dealer extortion" routine with that £150 quote for a third brake light where you basically just want a new LED circuit board! Fear not, fellow kindred spirit in the quest against plastic wastage and dealer overpricing.

Here’s some helpful info:

- The entire third brake light assembly for the 2013 Ford B-Max is available online from independent parts suppliers for significantly less than the dealer's £80+ unit price. For example, some genuine or aftermarket LED assemblies go for around £33 to £45 (in euros/pounds equivalent), depending on the exact model and vendor.

- Your insight about the LED circuit board (Valeo B003611-C) being the likely failed part is spot-on. Unfortunately, official Ford dealers typically do not sell parts at the "sub-assembly" level like just that circuit board. However, aftermarket electronic parts sellers or LED repair specialists might have that component or be able to repair the circuit board.

- Since you have already dismantled the assembly and the problem appears limited to the LED driver board, your best bet is to look for:
An electronics repair service specializing in automotive LED lights.
Independent parts or LED board sellers who might stock the Valeo B003611-C or compatible replacements.
Online forums or Ford B-Max owner communities where someone may have sourced or salvaged just the circuit board.

- If you want to sidestep the dealer fitting charge (£70), your plan of re-clipping a new circuit board and reinstalling is perfectly reasonable and straightforward—as you said, it’s a simple plug and play with no special tools.

- Also, if you want, I can help you search for specific suppliers or repair shops handling parts like the LED board.

Your approach saves money, plastic waste, and probably a few trees from despair! So keep fighting the good fight—you’re not alone in wanting a practical, eco-friendly solution over dealer paywalls.