Third brake light

[Cuco]

My 96 Ford explore third brake light has been out for a while. Is it worth buying the LEDs third brake light or get the original neon light with the ballast , prefer OEM , but I think it’s discontinued
Please send me link of good deals

 

[donalds]

@koda2000 did a great thread on this

 

[masospaghetti]

The ballast is easy to replace, the bulb is more annoying if it's blown out.

Be sure to check the trailer connector under the rear bumper. If this is dirty/corroded, it can prevent the 3rd brake light from lighting up.

 

[J_C]

Go with LEDs, if you manage to find a new Ford part it will be very expensive for what it is, while a used one, is probably about at end of life by now.

Here is a link to koda2000's topic, but there are many sources for the LED strip to put in your existing housing, can be found on ebay for $2 set up to run at 12V and you just cut it to length after each group of 3 LEDs (or however it is set up).

Another option today is using a long, thin COB style panel which can achieve more output (without extensive fabrication) and a more evenly lit area instead of individual LEDs... not that individual LEDs are bad, it's just whichever you prefer.

'97 third brake light conversion to LED

 

[donalds]

I though koda would respond I must have offended him lol ...hope not ...

Anyway I found his thread .... '97 third brake light conversion to LED

 

[masospaghetti]

Dorman sells a drop in LED replacement for the neon bulb. IMO, I would go with that if you couldn't find an original neon one. (Although I don't think the Dorman unit is as bright as the original).

 

[Vallince]

The ballast is easy to replace, the bulb is more annoying if it's blown out.

Be sure to check the trailer connector under the rear bumper. If this is dirty/corroded, it can prevent the 3rd brake light from lighting up.

hey I know this is an older thread but i too woul to get my high mount brake light working again on my 95 ford explorer XLT. I have looked everywhere to find a new ballast but the only place i managed to find them is on ebay showing a guy selling a light and ballast for a super high price. is there a way to find a new ballast? im pretty sure bulb is good as they say the ballast always goes out before the bulb does