Cab mounted brake light
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 176
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Cab mounted brake light
Ever since I've had this truck I've had a problem with the cab mounted brake light. Problem is that the bulb seems to burn out super fast.
Back in the good ol' day's, when I had a warranty, the dealer replaced the socket that the bulb plugs into because it was slightly melted.
Ever since then, I've had to replace the bulb every 2 months or so. I've tried purchasing bulbs from different stores and manufacturers, but they never last.
The white lights that come on with the switch that activates the dome lights work great, in fact I think they're the original lights that came with the truck. It's just that damn brake light.
Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but annoying none the less.
Is this one of those chronic problems? Or does anyone else have any experience with this, or any suggestions?
Thanks,
Ron
Back in the good ol' day's, when I had a warranty, the dealer replaced the socket that the bulb plugs into because it was slightly melted.
Ever since then, I've had to replace the bulb every 2 months or so. I've tried purchasing bulbs from different stores and manufacturers, but they never last.
The white lights that come on with the switch that activates the dome lights work great, in fact I think they're the original lights that came with the truck. It's just that damn brake light.
Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but annoying none the less.
Is this one of those chronic problems? Or does anyone else have any experience with this, or any suggestions?
Thanks,
Ron
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,521
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My '99 still has the qriginal bulb. I have not looked at mine, but many lights are a single wire with the cab being the return. I would check the bulb socket to make sure it is making a clean, secure connection to the cab. Good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 681
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From: Springfield, IL USA
Is there moisture getting into the third brake light housing? Some of the Rangers had a leak problem at the thrid brake light and if moisture is getting in that can cause a bulb to go out prematurely. If that is the case, the fix (as I understand it) is to replace the third brake light housing.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
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Had another look today when I replaced the bulb, AGAIN, and there was absolutely no moisture in the housing. All the wires looked good and there was definately 2 wires going into the plug that the bulb goes into. The plug is also in good condition, no signs of melting or burning like before. I can't see anything wrong in there at all. I guess it's just one of those annoying problems that I'll have to live with.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: South Jersey
I was taking my truck for inspection yesterday and thought about checking the lights but knew they were all working not that long ago, well the first thing I hear from the guy at the inspection station is "the high-mount brake light is out", ended up failing for only that bulb. I guess I was pretty lucky to almost 4 years out of my bulb.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
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Havn't checked the fuses, but I would assume that I would have other problems if I had a fuse that was too high in amperage, like other lights burning out prematurely. I don't know for sure, but I assume that there are several lights protected by a single fuse. I'll check it out later today.
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
I just replaced my 3rd brake light last week. I had a slight problem, though.
The bulb I removed had a number printed in ink on it: 922.
The bulb I replaced it with was numbered 912.
I'm not sure of the wattage of either bulb, or how long the new one will last compared to the original one. The reason for the change is where I got the bulb from (work) did have one that "looked" the same but on closer inspection I noticed the numerical discrepancy.
So, my suggestion to you is check the number on the bulb, and put the other bulb in.
The bulb I removed had a number printed in ink on it: 922.
The bulb I replaced it with was numbered 912.
I'm not sure of the wattage of either bulb, or how long the new one will last compared to the original one. The reason for the change is where I got the bulb from (work) did have one that "looked" the same but on closer inspection I noticed the numerical discrepancy.
So, my suggestion to you is check the number on the bulb, and put the other bulb in.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
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Thanks Joe,
I noticed that the replacement one that I just put in has a different number on it than the burned out one that I pulled out. Intresting because I always check the manual on display at the store to make sure I get the "recommended" bulb. I may have made an error, but I am usually very careful with this type of thing and double check, because a lot of these bulbs look exactly the same and will fit. Maybe different after market manufacturers are putting out books with different specs, because I have definately purchased bulbs from different manufacturers on purpose. Does anyone out there know if there is any voltage difference between the two bulbs 922 & 912 and any other variations?
If you have a chance, and are one of those lucky ones that has gone 3 years without replacing the bulb, next time you have a chance to look at the bulb, let me know what number it has on it.
Ron
I noticed that the replacement one that I just put in has a different number on it than the burned out one that I pulled out. Intresting because I always check the manual on display at the store to make sure I get the "recommended" bulb. I may have made an error, but I am usually very careful with this type of thing and double check, because a lot of these bulbs look exactly the same and will fit. Maybe different after market manufacturers are putting out books with different specs, because I have definately purchased bulbs from different manufacturers on purpose. Does anyone out there know if there is any voltage difference between the two bulbs 922 & 912 and any other variations?
If you have a chance, and are one of those lucky ones that has gone 3 years without replacing the bulb, next time you have a chance to look at the bulb, let me know what number it has on it.
Ron
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
Yeah, that 922 bulb lasted over 2 years. Since new.
The 912 and the 922 appear to be the same brightness, so they would have to be the same voltage. Probably the same wattage, given that logic. I just don't know how long a 912 will last.
Light bulbs are strange cats. Sometimes you get a bulb that lasts for years, others only last for days.
Could be a batch of good ones the light bulb manufacturers made, then realized a year down the road they aren't selling any bulbs, so they make them "shorter life"? Idunno.
I figure, that was the first bulb to burn out, so now I've got to pay attention to the rest of them.
The 912 and the 922 appear to be the same brightness, so they would have to be the same voltage. Probably the same wattage, given that logic. I just don't know how long a 912 will last.
Light bulbs are strange cats. Sometimes you get a bulb that lasts for years, others only last for days.
Could be a batch of good ones the light bulb manufacturers made, then realized a year down the road they aren't selling any bulbs, so they make them "shorter life"? Idunno.
I figure, that was the first bulb to burn out, so now I've got to pay attention to the rest of them.
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 9
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From: NY
Autozone calls for a 912 bulb for the high brake light, for my 2002 model. It sounds like you have covered the obvious items. I can only suggest trying to find a heavy duty model of the bulb. This would have a reinforced filament to help prolong bulb life. If nothing is available, I'd make up a LED replacement. In fact, I have seen somewhere where they are available. Good Luck!