Problem w/ 3rd Tail Light Replacement
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Problem w/ 3rd Tail Light Replacement
Need some help from the community here. I've been reading for years but never had anything to add until now.
I recently replaced the factory 3rd tail light on my F150 to a smoked LED version (the kind that keeps the reverse bulbs but replaces the red brake lights with LEDs) and at first I thought everything had gone smoothly. (picture of install in my photo album) I tested the brake lights and everything seemed to work. Then one night I noticed when I was backing into the garage that I could not see so well. Long story short... the bulbs in the 3rd tail light that ignite when putting the truck into reverse were no longer working. However... I notice when I get out of the truck, prior to locking the doors, those bulbs are lit up - so I know they work; just seems a relay has gone out, I blew a fuse or there is some issue in using these brake LEDs.
Has anyone experienced a similar problem? I have checked the fuses I thought "could" be the problem but all were fine. I read on one thread about some relay near the trans that could be the issue but the problem described in that thread sounded more like the reverse lights in the tail light housings and not the 3rd brake light. (As info... those lights work just fine) Needless to say I have not tried searching out that relay just yet as I do not suspect it's the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I recently replaced the factory 3rd tail light on my F150 to a smoked LED version (the kind that keeps the reverse bulbs but replaces the red brake lights with LEDs) and at first I thought everything had gone smoothly. (picture of install in my photo album) I tested the brake lights and everything seemed to work. Then one night I noticed when I was backing into the garage that I could not see so well. Long story short... the bulbs in the 3rd tail light that ignite when putting the truck into reverse were no longer working. However... I notice when I get out of the truck, prior to locking the doors, those bulbs are lit up - so I know they work; just seems a relay has gone out, I blew a fuse or there is some issue in using these brake LEDs.
Has anyone experienced a similar problem? I have checked the fuses I thought "could" be the problem but all were fine. I read on one thread about some relay near the trans that could be the issue but the problem described in that thread sounded more like the reverse lights in the tail light housings and not the 3rd brake light. (As info... those lights work just fine) Needless to say I have not tried searching out that relay just yet as I do not suspect it's the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch, MS
I have that same 3rd brake light except in red and mine does not light up when in reverse. My stock light did not do that either only the reverse in the tails. I do not believe it is supposed to.
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
Those lights will only light up in reverse if you have your dome light on or door open... lol. A buddy of mine was convinced that they lit up when in reverse and I had a good laugh when I told him it was because I had my door open when I was showing him the lights...