Brake light help

[bvav22]

Today i got pulled over becuase my third brake light is not working on my 97 explorer. i have no idea how to change this, but i read that its a bunch of leds that is powered by a ballast, and usually doesnt go out unless there is an electrical problem....


i also found out today becuase i was playing around, that my fog light button, no longer works, and when i switch to 4wd low nothing happens (4wd works fine)

anyone have any suggestions where to look to solve this issue

 

[Earl43P]

I don't know anything specific about 97s, but do check all the fuses related to those circuits. These circuits could also share a ground.

 

[bvav22]

anyone have a wiring diagram for a 97 explorer???

 

[commanderdinan]

Brake Light is neon

First: Your 97 has a neon brake light, not leds (this is true if the light is about a foot in length, the led light did not come in till the tailgate redesign in 1998, those leds are only about 6 inches long) its non recommended that you try to change it until you know its bad b/c its a fairly advanced project and finding a good replacement is hard.

Second: I had the same issue for years until I read that my trailer wiring which I had hid under the back of my truck b/c it wasn't being used was the problem. Apparently if the connection gets dirty it can screw with the brake light. So try cleaning it first.

Third: Were you in neutral when you shifted to 4x4 low? As far as I know that it the only gear that low can be activated in.

No ideas about the fog lights though.

Hope this helps