Third brake light replace bulb to LED

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doodlebugs-93

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hello, my name is Patrick Guffey, I recently changed my 2002 Ford Eddie Bauer's factory third brake light over to led granite I had to modify my back hatch
to do the conversion but I was okay with doing that because I took body shop class in school so I was comfortable with doing such a task. but over all I'm
pleased with the results and the best part is that the trimming that I had to do is you can't see it because the led third brake light covers it up.this is my new led third brake light when it's let.jpg this is my new led third brake light when it's off.jpg this is my expedition's hatch after I had to trim for my led light to fit.jpg
 

RichardH

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/\/\ Looks very nice doodle..!

zfifty zfifty, no worries on multiple posts. I've done it... :emotions33:

Yes, if anyone wants the assemblies or harness - we can work it out.

Cheers,
Dick
 
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In relation to this topic, how does one get the old cable assembly unplugged and to plug the new assembly in? The socket is not within my reach.
 
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zfifty

zfifty

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Carrick, I just received my new OEM 3rd brake light assembly. I have yet to install it due to awaiting the LED bulbs for it that I ordered to replace the incandescent bulbs it came with. I do know what you are saying and will be doing mine soon. If you cannot reach the plug at the end of the harness it could require removing the trim on the inside of the rear door in order to access the connection. I hate doing that due to the brittle old plastic trim, it has to be done with extreme care, to avoid breaking the retaining tabs on trim. If my bulb sockets or connectors on my old harness are not burnt, melted or deteriorated I would simply use the old harness rather than go through all the disassembly of the door trim. Will know more once I remove the old lens and can advise further and if so how to remove the trim to avoid damage to it.
You can also always splice in new sockets on the end of your harness. These are usually available at most Auto part stores.
20200525_185921.jpg 20200525_185937.jpg
 
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zfifty

zfifty

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Another option is obtaining an aftermarket LED third brake light as others on this thread have. They vary on the number of LED's in them as well as lens colors of red, clear and smoke and chrome and black trim. Reason being as long as you have one good socket for bulb on end of your original harness you can use your old harness. The aftermarket lights I have seen utilize the bulb socket as their connection to harness.

3bliteplug.jpg
 
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zfifty

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Hey Patrick or Craig. I really like the look of your third brake lights with the lights all the way across the lens. :happy107:
I would like to obtain one like them in black and smoke lens for my black 2000 Sport Expo. Couple questions I have.
1) Does the lens set up higher in relation to the hatch body than the original OEM?
2) Having a hard time locating a seller of your type light. Seeing a lot of the 5 and 9 bulb lights but none of the 12 bulb type as yours, spanning the entire lens. Any help where I can obtain one would be appreciated.
 
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zfifty

zfifty

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OK, the old cracked, faded and melted light.


Removed lens, sockets are still serviceable, so no need to replace harness as it would require accessing the connection by removing upper inside door trim as far as I can tell. I put dielectric grease in socket before inserting 3 new 194 red led bulbs as pictured and posted previously from Superbright LEDS. They seemed to only work oriented one of the two ways they could slide in on mine....:shrug:


Completed installation not much difference in brightness but better clarity and longevity . Cost to me was $26 for light assembly and $9 for LED bulbs plus shipping.
 
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