3RD Brakelight removal?

[Gonzo]

I have a '98 sport, and some of the bulbs on the 3rd brakelight are burnt out. Does anyone know how to get to the bulbs? I tried doing a search, but I didn't find anything. I'm afraid to just pry it, because I think it will break. Please help.

 

[kingsleysurf]

i dont understand what you are asking but if your talkin about the brakelights in the back when you open the back door... there are two screws that you unscrew and the whole thing pops off...

 

[Gonzo]

I'm talking about the brakelight in the center, on top of the rear liftgate, sometimes called the high-mount stop/brake light. It has about 6 or 8 lights in a row(horizontally).

 

[Stephen S]

I believe the bulbs you are referring to are actually LEDs, which are never supposed to go out. They are probably soldered into a small circuit board and not easily replaceable. You aren't finding an easy way into it because it was designed to be non-servicable.

 

[Gonzo]

I'm pretty sure they are not LED's. They don't light up super-fast like LED's do, and the manual says they are regular bulbs. The 97 explorer had some kind of neon bulbs that were super expensive to replace, but they went back to regular bulbs in 98.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Well, if you're not sure, there's always the owner's manual. The owner's manual should tell ya something about it. According to Osram Sylvania website, your third brake light uses 912 bulbs. Check your owner's manual and see if it's correct.

 

[aggieEB]

Do a search on it, I think you have the same model as me and if you do, then it's going to cost you to replace that light. From what I have been told, whenever that light goes out, it is because the ballast has died. It costs about $300 at the dealer to get it fixed so you might as well just leave it. Fixing it is a bear too as you have to go through the inside of the vehicle to remove the ballast.

I know that Ford changed it one year (either 98 or 99) so that it is no longer using a ballast. You might check with your dealer or do a search on these boards for it.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Ford had the new rearend design in '98 along with new brake lights so the neon charged lights were only available for '95-'97 Explorers.

 

[Stephen S]

Originally posted by Gonzo
I'm pretty sure they are not LED's. They don't light up super-fast like LED's do, and the manual says they are regular bulbs. The 97 explorer had some kind of neon bulbs that were super expensive to replace, but they went back to regular bulbs in 98.

I may be mistaken about the LEDs, but that's what I thought they were. I have a 95 and my neon/flourescent 3rd brake light has been out for over a year and after hearing $400 to fix it...it can stay broken. Let us know what you find out about the 98+. You may be the first person to post a problem with the 98+ 3rd brake light. Keep us posted.

 

[Gonzo]

The owners manual says it uses 912 bulbs, same as the interior and puddle lamp lights. I still can't figure out how to GET to them. I may just have to go ask the dealership. Hopefully they won't tell me I have to bring it to them. That's the last thing I would do.

 

[98EBV8]

They are indeed LEDs

I have a 98 Explorer also and if you look closely, they lights up faster than the two regular taillamps. I do not have the problem like yours, but the individual LEDs up unevenly, unlike the later models.

The way I see in removing the LED third brake lights is to remove the interior trim panel of the hatch and go on from there. The unit is a snap-on, so it sounds like you need to replace the entire assembly.

I read a few years ago that HP manufactures the LED third brake lights and the first one to introduce the brake light design.

Shane

 

[Dan Whitaker]

i hope i never have a problem with my 97 Mountaineer Third brake light. It won't pass inspection if it is not working. Damn the state of Misery(Missouri)

 

[Gonzo]

I looked at the light and it looks like it isn't burnt out anymore. I don't know how/why they are working again, but I think I will just leave it alone as long as its working.

 

[BigBadF-250]

How do you check the ballast to see if that is the problem on a 97?

 

[jimcom]

My 2000 X has the same problem. Ye ol' manual says to bring it to a dealership. I have an extended warranty from Ford but I'll bet my momma's pajamas that it isn't covered.
I've got just two or three of the lights out, not all of them. Strange huh?
Anyone found another solution to this conundrum. I'm in the process of searching right now for info.

 

[dmr1203]

The dealer told me that it is a common problem, and it costs 15.00 to replace. They said that they have to take the "pins" out and pull down the headliner..........all in all about 5 minutes for them..

Is this true?