Center High Mount Stop Light (CHMSL) Repair Cost Guide
Below are typical repair costs for different CHMSL issues based on our service rate of $125/hour:
LED CHMSL Repairs
Bulb Replacement:$125-$175
Typically takes 1-1.5 hours, including testing and ensuring proper connection.
Full LED Strip Replacement:$250-$375
Usually requires 2-3 hours, including removal of trim pieces, replacing the LED assembly, and testing.
Traditional Bulb CHMSL Repairs
Single Bulb Replacement:$125
Standard 1-hour service including testing and ensuring proper function.
Socket Repair:$187-$250
Takes 1.5-2 hours, includes repairing or replacing damaged socket and testing.
Housing Repairs
Housing Replacement:$250-$312
Typically 2-2.5 hours, includes removing old housing, installing new unit, and testing.
Lens Replacement:$187-$250
Usually takes 1.5-2 hours, includes removing old lens, installing new one, and ensuring proper seal.
Wiring Repairs
Basic Wiring Repair:$187-$312
1.5-2.5 hours depending on complexity and accessibility.
Complete Wiring Harness Replacement:$312-$437
2.5-3.5 hours, includes removing trim, replacing harness, and comprehensive testing.
Note: These are estimated costs based on typical repair times. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and specific repair requirements. Parts costs are not included in these estimates.
Center High Mount Stop Light (CHMSL) Repair Procedures
LED CHMSL Repair
Common in newer vehicles (2000s and newer)
Typical repair steps:
- Access the CHMSL assembly (usually through trunk or rear cabin)
- Disconnect the electrical connector
- Remove mounting screws or clips securing the assembly
- Since LED units typically can't be repaired internally, the entire assembly must be replaced
- Install new LED CHMSL unit
- Reconnect electrical connector
- Test functionality before completing reassembly
Bulb-Based CHMSL Repair
Common in older vehicles (1990s and earlier)
Typical repair steps:
- Access the CHMSL housing (usually through trunk or rear cabin)
- Remove lens cover (if applicable)
- Remove old bulb by turning counterclockwise
- Check socket for corrosion or damage
- Install new bulb of correct type and wattage
- Replace lens cover
- Test light functionality
Strip-Style CHMSL Repair
Common in various vehicle types, especially vans and trucks
Typical repair steps:
- Remove trim pieces surrounding the light strip
- Disconnect wiring harness
- Remove mounting hardware
- Clean mounting surface
- Install new strip light assembly
- Reconnect wiring
- Secure with new mounting hardware
- Test functionality
- Reinstall trim pieces
Important Notes:
- Always check vehicle-specific repair manuals for exact procedures
- Ensure replacement parts match original specifications
- Handle glass components carefully to avoid breakage
- Verify proper sealing to prevent water intrusion
- Some repairs may require professional installation
Note: Labor time and complexity can vary significantly depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Please consult with our technicians for specific details about your vehicle.
Understanding Center High Mount Stop Lights (CHMSL)
ACenter High Mount Stop Light (CHMSL), also known as a third brake light or high-level brake light, is a safety feature required on all vehicles manufactured since 1986. It's positioned at eye level, typically on the rear window or trunk of a vehicle.
Purpose and Function
The CHMSL serves several important functions:
- Enhanced Visibility:Positioned higher than traditional brake lights, making it more visible to following drivers
- Faster Reaction Time:Helps drivers behind you react more quickly to braking
- Accident Prevention:Studies show CHMSLs reduce rear-end collisions by up to 15%
How It Works
The CHMSL operates in conjunction with your regular brake lights, illuminating whenever you press the brake pedal. Modern versions typically use LED technology for:
- Brighter illumination
- Longer lifespan
- Lower energy consumption
- Faster response time
Maintenance
Like all vehicle safety features, your CHMSL should be:
- Regularly checked for proper operation
- Kept clean and free from obstruction
- Promptly repaired if malfunctioning
- Replaced when bulbs burn out or housing becomes damaged
Remember: A properly functioning CHMSL is not just a legal requirement—it's an essential safety feature that helps protect you and other drivers on the road.
Common Failure Symptoms of Center High Mount Stop Light (CHMSL)
Center High Mount Stop Light (CHMSL) - Signs of Failure & Maintenance Guide
LED CHMSL
Signs of Failure:
- Individual LED segments not illuminating
- Flickering or intermittent operation
- Complete failure to illuminate
- Dimmer light output than normal
Service Schedule:
LED CHMSLs typically last 50,000-100,000 hours and don't require regular maintenance. Replace only when signs of failure appear.
Incandescent CHMSL
Signs of Failure:
- Bulb burnout
- Yellowing or clouding of lens cover
- Moisture accumulation inside housing
- Corroded electrical connections
Service Schedule:
Inspect every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Replace bulbs every 20,000-30,000 miles as preventative maintenance.
Neon CHMSL
Signs of Failure:
- Dim or uneven illumination
- Pink or orange color instead of red
- Slow to illuminate in cold weather
- Flickering or buzzing sound
Service Schedule:
Inspect annually. Typical lifespan is 30,000-40,000 hours. Replace at first sign of degradation.
Note: Regardless of type, always check CHMSL operation during routine vehicle maintenance and replace immediately if any malfunction is detected, as this is a critical safety feature.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
