Third Brake Light

[THOMPSON13]

Can anyone tell me if the 1998 Ford Explorer has a ballast for the third brake light? I have a dealer that rejected my Explorer for the state inspection because of a bad ballast and third brake light. I am going to fix it myself because they want $560.00 to fix it. However when I called another dealer for the parts, they said that the 1998 does not have a ballast. Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[BradE.]

I believe the last year for the ballast set up was 1997. 1998 and up Explorers use a LED set up for the third brake light.

 

[Brandons]

so waht is a ballast?

 

[SiLenZe]

1. Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship or the gondola of a balloon to enhance stability.

2. Coarse gravel or crushed rock laid to form a bed for roads or railroads.
The gravel ingredient of concrete.

 

[SiLenZe]

are 3rd bake lights even required? mabey they are just trying to extract $$$ from you.
you going to have to take the rear hatch trim off to get to the light.

 

[williecume]

Originally posted by SiLenZe
are 3rd bake lights even required? mabey they are just trying to extract $$$ from you.
you going to have to take the rear hatch trim off to get to the light.

if it came from the factory with a third brake light it is supposed to work at all times, or at least for the inspection. i'm not 100% sure about this, but i think i might be on the right track.

 

[jimbo74]

Originally posted by williecume
if it came from the factory with a third brake light it is supposed to work at all times, or at least for the inspection. i'm not 100% sure about this, but i think i might be on the right track.

that is correct

however, in response to the original poster... 98s use the led setup, not the ballast type as the early 2nd generation did....