My 3rd light (high lamp) on my '97 SCab is tired. It's yellow, cracked, full of condensation in the morning and only 1 bulb works.

I bought a new one and started to replace it. I have a fiberglass toneau and leaning out the rear sliding window of the cab was not an easy feat (I'm 6'2"). Removing the lamp from the body was easy. The pigtail on the light that attaches to the body wiring harness was curiously long and I realized that I can't reach far enough into the access to disconnect the old light. The only recourse that I can see is to start removing the headliner until I can reach the connector. Next problem: I have an aftermarket sunroof so the entire headliner is a custom job.

Has anybody replaced their 3rd light without taking down the headliner? How did you do it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated before I either hack up my interior or wait for a fix-it ticket.

 

I've read similar threads before...I don't think you need to pull down the entire headliner, just the rear passenger corner. Loosen up the B pillar panels (which may require you to remove part of the seat belt) then try to pry down the head liner ever so slightly, enough for you to fit your hand in...

It may be easier for you to work from the outside and fishing your hand in through the rear slider and up between the roof and headliner.

Worst comes to worse, you can always cut and splice (suggest you solder your connections). I would guess that they only have 3 wires in the harness (brake, courtesy, and ground).

Tony.

 

Not sure if you have changed out your 3rd brake light or not. You do have to lower your headliner to get to the connector. I replaced my light in my 98 f150 single cab and my 02 Screw with FRPP lightning brake lights. It is relatively easy and pretty much the same with all three body styles. (reg cab, ext cab, and crew) Though it is easier to remove the whole headliner in the ext. cab. and reg. cab.

Start with removing the rear upper seatbelt attachment points. You may have to remove the front points as well to get better access to the connector.
Then remove the pull back on the window mouldings. Be sure to pull sideways, from left side to right side for the LH moulding and vise versa for the RH. Pulling straight out, towards the front of the truck will snap off the retaining clips.
Next remove the dome light. Pop off the lens and you will see 3 screws. Remove all three and the dome light is off.
Next remove the rear grab handles if equipped, and the front grab handles on reg. cab and ext. cab models.
Then pull the door seals away from the cab. They are held on by friction, no clips or adhesive, and slide back on very easily.
On reg. cab and ext. cab models you will have to remove the visors and visor clips as well as the front grab handles so you can pull the pillar mouldings away far enough to drop the headliner.
After that, the electical connector is a no brainer. The grommet that is built into the harness can be bothersome. I tore one of mine trying to get it out, but if you are just replacing a worn out light then it shouldnt matter anyhow.

I know it sounds kinda tedious, but I assure you, it wont take long at all.

Hope this helps