Rear brake light help

[bndrulez]

I don't know when, but both of my rear brake lights stopped working except for the one above the hatch window. The running lights work when the head lights are on. Are there separate bulbs? I am asking because currently I can't check because the rear gate will not open, only the hatch.

Thanks for the help, David.

 

[TheJackal]

No, the taillight and brake lights come from the same bulb.

 

[Pensa]

They are the same bulb, but they are separate elements. The brake lights could be burned out and the tail lights still work. Bulbs would be the first thing to check.

 

[JDraper]

If the 3rd light is working but the brake lights are not, I'd suspect bulbs. As mentioned above, the brake lights are on a separate filament from the running lights.

 

[gijoecam]

If the CHMSL works, but the brake lights don't, odds are it's the bulbs. They're both fed from the same circuit on your truck. (Not all Fords are like that, mind you, but yours is).

Unfortunately, you do need to open the tailgate to access the screws... You can access the latch assembly by removing the interior trim panel and (if necessary) the rear wiper motor.

-Joe

 

[bndrulez]

Figured thats what it'd be, can anyone refer to me to a thread on how to get the panel off and open the hatch, and fix it? Thanks again guys, David.

 

[bndrulez]

Oh, and I like the Pink Floyd reference in your sig. =)

 

[gijoecam]

Figured thats what it'd be, can anyone refer to me to a thread on how to get the panel off and open the hatch, and fix it? Thanks again guys, David.

No reference, but I've done it enough, I can explain it really quick. All it takes is a philips screwdriver.

Sit in the cargo area with the window open.
Remove the two screws from the pull handle.
Pop the cover off the opening next to the window latch. There is a single philips head screw in there. Remove it.
Pull the trim away from the top and sides of the window. It's held in place with spring clips.
Pull UP on the entire panel (towards the roof). It'll slide up about an inch or inch and a half, then pull away from the hatch. The black plastic vapr barrier behind it may or may not come with it. It's held on with sticky adhesive, but should come off in one piece.

You should be able to see what you need to from there.