third brake light

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Nov 22, 2011 | 11:15 PM

northernz

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third brake light

Any one use anything besides the stock third brake light? I'm gonna replace mine and I'm wondering if the LED ones are worth it.

Nov 23, 2011 | 06:28 AM

hammer65

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Joined: Jul 2008

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From: Morehead, Ky.

I have the stock light, but added a flasher to it. It flashes 3 or 4 times before going solid.
It will work on LED's also. I like it very much.
Put one on wife's car also.

Nov 23, 2011 | 09:25 AM

grec-o-face

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From: South Shore, MA

I've got a Recon unit. (I've also added a flasher that works with my strobe lights)

F350 strobe set-up - YouTube

Nov 23, 2011 | 01:47 PM

ccerniglia

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Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Bristol, CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by grec-o-face

I've got a Recon unit. (I've also added a flasher that works with my strobe lights)

F350 strobe set-up - YouTube

Thats looks awesome.

Nov 23, 2011 | 03:09 PM

Shake-N-Bake

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From: Mesa AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by northernz

Any one use anything besides the stock third brake light? I'm gonna replace mine and I'm wondering if the LED ones are worth it.

Depending on the year of your truck you may experience issues with the transmission. Specifically the torque convertor. LED brake lights have been known to confuse the PCM into thinking the brakes are being applied and it may not allow the TC to lock. I also believe there is a similar thing with the cruise control. Maybe LED brake light vendors have figured out a fix by now but it's something to be cautious about.

Good luck.

Nov 23, 2011 | 03:59 PM

ccerniglia

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From: Bristol, CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shake-N-Bake

In the 7 years I've spent behind this Ford parts counter, I've never heard of that being an issue... in anything.Yeah, flasher relay issues to do with lack of impedance, but not when it comes to powertrain operation. It would make far more sense that the PCM uses the signel from the stop lamp switch(13480) to intrupt TC lock up. In addition I know for a fact that the cruise control uses the pressure switch (9F924)on the master cylinder to deactivate the cruise control. Anyone think they know better?

Nov 23, 2011 | 04:25 PM

acf6

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From: Manchester, CT

I run the smoked Recon one.. very bright and looks great!

( the cargo white LEDs and the brake red LEDs are both on in this picture)

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Nov 23, 2011 | 07:30 PM

dchamberlain

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From: Scio, OR

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccerniglia

It would make far more sense that the PCM uses the signel from the stop lamp switch(13480) to intrupt TC lock up. In addition I know for a fact that the cruise control uses the pressure switch (9F924)on the master cylinder to deactivate the cruise control. Anyone think they know better?

Actually... 13480 is a multi pole switch. One pole informs the various computers that the brakes are applied to deactivate the cruise control, unlock the TC, etc, etc. The other pole operates the brake lights.

The Brake Pressure Switch is a backup for the Brake Pedal Position switch. This goes back as far as 1999, as near as I can tell from the service manuals.

Attached Images

Nov 25, 2011 | 08:33 AM

#10

ccerniglia

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From: Bristol, CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shake-N-Bake

Here is the TSB. Doesn't say anything about the cruise control though...I must have read that somewhere else.

Anyone got a Ford TSB number on this?

Nov 25, 2011 | 10:52 AM

#11

Shake-N-Bake

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From: Mesa AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccerniglia

Anyone got a Ford TSB number on this?

Here you go. See page 6 and 7 for the brake light confirmation when diagnosing cruise control engagement issues.
I believe this particular TSB is specific to gasoline engines, diesel speed control is different type of system but the brake light potential issue still applies.

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Cruise control TSB Malfunctions.pdf (67.5 KB, 185 views)

Nov 25, 2011 | 01:16 PM

#12

ccerniglia

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From: Bristol, CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shake-N-Bake

7 Years, first i've ever been told this was an issue. I now will insert my size 16 into my mouth.

Nov 25, 2011 | 10:04 PM

#13

Shake-N-Bake

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From: Mesa AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccerniglia

7 Years, first i've ever been told this was an issue. I now will insert my size 16 into my mouth.

I think there are several high quality LED light manufacturers that offer products that work very well with no apparent side effects. My guess is that some lower quality brands might be the cause of the issues reported early on. I haven't seen or heard of too many issues lately. I would recommend products by site sponsors in lieu of brand X from places like ebay because I believe that we are more likely to get higher quality products for a fair price.