High Mount Brake Light Inop
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High Mount Brake Light Inop
Howdy...
I have a 98 F-150 XLT 4X4. Recently, I noticed the high mount (3rd) brake light does not work. When operational & when the brake is pressed, the light flashes for a few seconds, then goes solid. However, the light is now out.
The other 2 brake lights are operational.
I replaced the bulb & checked local wiring -- no signs of damage.
Brake position switch fuse is good.
The brake position switch seems to be in good shape.
The switch has 2 green wires that tie into a wire bundle/conduit that disappears just under of the steering column. I'm assuming that bad boy runs through some flasher/pulse unit (hence, the flash when the brake is initially pressed)before making its way to the bulb. I just cannot locate it! My Chilton's book doesn't reference it (or I can't find it). My guess is that the flasher unit is bad (if it exists) or a wire is chaffed/broken.
I've read similar posts on this site. The issue with the light has popped up concurrently with other issues. This is the only issue I'm having.
Any guidance would be GREATLY, GREATLY appreciated!!!
-Joey-
I have a 98 F-150 XLT 4X4. Recently, I noticed the high mount (3rd) brake light does not work. When operational & when the brake is pressed, the light flashes for a few seconds, then goes solid. However, the light is now out.
The other 2 brake lights are operational.
I replaced the bulb & checked local wiring -- no signs of damage.
Brake position switch fuse is good.
The brake position switch seems to be in good shape.
The switch has 2 green wires that tie into a wire bundle/conduit that disappears just under of the steering column. I'm assuming that bad boy runs through some flasher/pulse unit (hence, the flash when the brake is initially pressed)before making its way to the bulb. I just cannot locate it! My Chilton's book doesn't reference it (or I can't find it). My guess is that the flasher unit is bad (if it exists) or a wire is chaffed/broken.
I've read similar posts on this site. The issue with the light has popped up concurrently with other issues. This is the only issue I'm having.
Any guidance would be GREATLY, GREATLY appreciated!!!
-Joey-
Last edited by jtmoses2001; Oct 16, 2008 at 02:38 PM.
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Well...
Looks like the flasher unit may be aftermarket (the truck was 2 yrs old when purchased). Anyone have an idea pertaining to a typical installation location?
I've checked under the instrument panel/steering column and both kick panels.
Thanks...
-Joey-
Looks like the flasher unit may be aftermarket (the truck was 2 yrs old when purchased). Anyone have an idea pertaining to a typical installation location?
I've checked under the instrument panel/steering column and both kick panels.
Thanks...
-Joey-
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
You don't, you put in the solution so the next member with the same/similar problem can find it with a search, and have the solution at hand.
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Guess that's what I was looking for a few months ago...
Anyway, for those in OCD distress, as I was---
The high-mount brake light bundle runs (from the bulb) over to the passenger-side door (above the headliner), down behind the seat belt, and up to the front below the carpet moulding (exterior, flush with door closed). The flasher unit was spliced in there... must have seen its last days. I removed it, spliced the red/pink wires together, and bingo... I now have a brake light.
Obviously, you can splice these flashers into any portion of the wiring, but this location was VERY easy to get to. Too bad I didn't check there to begin with.
Anyway, for those in OCD distress, as I was---
The high-mount brake light bundle runs (from the bulb) over to the passenger-side door (above the headliner), down behind the seat belt, and up to the front below the carpet moulding (exterior, flush with door closed). The flasher unit was spliced in there... must have seen its last days. I removed it, spliced the red/pink wires together, and bingo... I now have a brake light.
Obviously, you can splice these flashers into any portion of the wiring, but this location was VERY easy to get to. Too bad I didn't check there to begin with.