2022 3rd brake light - replace with 2023 version that flashes?

[Tobiasx]

I am always looking for any way to increase visibility to help avoid collisions from those distracted drivers. I noticed the 2023 3rd brake light pulses once or twice before going solid. Anybody have information on how and what to replace mine with one that does that? Thanks in advance!

 

[m3olsen]

@Tobiasx , you might get insight into whether it's hardware or software by doing a part number search for the light assembly and see whether it has changed from 2022 to 2023.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I am always looking for any way to increase visibility to help avoid collisions from those distracted drivers. I noticed the 2023 3rd brake light pulses once or twice before going solid. Anybody have information on how and what to replace mine with one that does that? Thanks in advance!

A local Lexus dealer where I live only sells the new vehicles with a $1,494. package consisting of paint sealant and a flashing, center high-mounted brake light. They install some type of module or software to cause the brake light to flash several times upon activation.

The flashing brake light is illegal in some states - you may want to check your local laws before you modify the vehicle. It may affect your warranty if there is an electrical issue.

I suspect the Expedition you saw with the flashing brake light was modified and not equipped that way from the factory.

 

[Tobiasx]

it is factory right off the showroom 2023 and not illegal in any state, 2 short pulses and steady. Lots of other car brands have the same things. Thank you for taking the time to comment,

 

[BSarchet]

I will have to check but I swear my 2022 does that. I feel like I’ve seen it when I’m backing my trailer at night.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

it is factory right off the showroom 2023 and not illegal in any state, 2 short pulses and steady. Lots of other car brands have the same things. Thank you for taking the time to comment,

It is illegal in Ohio. Here is a link to the code: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised... lights,approaching, or overtaking or passing.

Section (C)(1).

 

[m3olsen]

Here is a link to an NHTSA interpretation which says dealers and shops can't install one, but an owner can. Still have to check State laws: https://www.nhtsa.gov/interpretations/9711

 

[BSarchet]

FYI I have confirmed that the brake lights on my 22 blink 3 times before going solid.

 

[Jdwornik]

It is illegal in Ohio. Here is a link to the code: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.17#:~:text=Section 4513.17 | Limit on number of lights.&text=(C)(1) Flashing lights,approaching, or overtaking or passing.

Section (C)(1).

That doesn’t apply to the type of flash that O.P. Is talking about. The brake light flash was invented for motorcycle safety and has been implemented to other vehicles due to it being proven to work.

 

[3rd Coast]

We have it on our 2020 that we purchased used from Lincoln of Bloomington in MN. They install it on every vehicle they sell, if not already equipped, and I believe the cost added was around $340.

 

[chuck s]

Eight bucks (and a little wire splicing. <--- that's a link.

The 3d brake light on my "little car" (see photo at left) has had this installed since 2014 with nary a comment on legality. Only comments are "where can I get one?" And there's the answer.

-- Chuck

 

[Maxine the Max]

I am always looking for any way to increase visibility to help avoid collisions from those distracted drivers. I noticed the 2023 3rd brake light pulses once or twice before going solid. Anybody have information on how and what to replace mine with one that does that? Thanks in advance!

When we purchased our 2019 Max last April, the flashing center break light (below the spoiler) was an option at an extra charge. If we didn't want it, that component would be removed. We did take it, I think it was an additional 200 dollars, maybe less. It was purchased in Minnesota. I've noticed a few others around with it too. I suppose eventually it will become common place.

 

[duneslider]

You can buy the little thing that does the flashing on the third light for under $20 bucks on ebay, amazon, etc. Some dealers have jumped on these and charge a huge upcharge for it as an "added safety" feature.

 

[SyndicateZ]

I have an LED 3rd brake light that I need to replace as the housing shows water condensation and 80% of the LED's no longer light up. What is this flashing
light option ?

 

[chuck s]

Forum won't let me attach a MP4 file (too big) so I can't show how this looks on my Honda S2000. The S2000 is so little it almost disappears in traffic something the Expedition doesn't do.

Simple in-line splice of the module shown above. Mounting this on the trunk lid of the Honda was easy and I assume not any more difficult on an Expedition (although I don't have one there). A bunch of similar Hondas running around down here since a buddy made a plug in harness for them.

I think the module only works on LED fixtures like the 3d brake light in the Expedition (and late S2000).

PM me your email and I may be able to send the MP4 to you that way.

-- Chuck

 

[Deadman]

Those things annoy me. They make me think its just a turn signal flashing, so I don't associate a flashing red light with braking. We've been trained our whole lives that a solid red tail light is brakes, not flashing red.

 

[SyndicateZ]

Forum won't let me attach a MP4 file (too big) so I can't show how this looks on my Honda S2000. The S2000 is so little it almost disappears in traffic something the Expedition doesn't do.

Simple in-line splice of the module shown above. Mounting this on the trunk lid of the Honda was easy and I assume not any more difficult on an Expedition (although I don't have one there). A bunch of similar Hondas running around down here since a buddy made a plug in harness for them.

I think the module only works on LED fixtures like the 3d brake light in the Expedition (and late S2000).

PM me your email and I may be able to send the MP4 to you that way.

-- Chuck

Oh, you have to cut and splice wires? Ok nevermind ill stick with oem lol due to warranty reasons

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Those things annoy me. They make me think its just a turn signal flashing, so I don't associate a flashing red light with braking. We've been trained our whole lives that a solid red tail light is brakes, not flashing red.

9711 | NHTSA

Mr. Shih-Chiang ChenPresidentTop World Traffic Equipments Co., Ltd.7F-1. No/ 286-9, Hsin Ya RoadChien Chen Dist.KaohsiungTaiwan R.O.C. Dear Sir: This is in reply to your letter of June 15, 1995, to the Department of Transportation regarding your invention, the "brake condition warning sensor."...

www.nhtsa.gov