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1997 Explorer - High stoplight

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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 11:29 AM
  #1  
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1997 Explorer - High stoplight

Hello all,

I have doen a couple of searches, and not come across the answer, so apologies in advance if this is a duplicate.

I need to replace the center stoplight bulb - I have had a look, and can't figure out a way to remove it without causing damage to the surround.

The manual helpfully recommends that I go to a Ford dealership for service - surely this is something that isn't that complicated is it?

Any advice would be greatfully received. Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2006 | 07:20 AM
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You should be able to get to it by removing the inside panel on the liftgate. You will also need to remove the trim around the light and top of the liftgate. This requires you to drill out a few (six I believe) rivets. I replace mine with small stainless steel screws. This is not a difficult or long job.

Mason
 
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Old Sep 11, 2006 | 10:57 AM
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aquanaut20
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From: BC Canada
the hi stop light on the 96 and 97 are flourecent and cost $$, can be replaced with an LED strip.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2006 | 08:13 PM
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Are you sure th lamp is bad, usually is the transformer, about $90 from the dealer.
 
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Old Sep 12, 2006 | 08:06 AM
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As Don stated, the ballast (or transformer) is usually the first to go bad and easy to replace. The light assembly is actually a neon unit which helps explain its cost. The LED replacement is the way I would go as aquanaut suggests.

Mason
 
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Old Sep 12, 2006 | 08:23 AM
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Thanks all for the advice. Is there a way to determine if it is the transformer without actually buying one?

How do I get to the transformer - from the inside?

I like the LED strip idea. Any tips on what to get, and how to install that?
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 06:47 AM
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Did you ever get a fix on this one, seems like i have the same trouble.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 10:00 AM
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You might source something like this, last time I used a string without the bezel, inserted it into the gutted ford bezel.

http://vehiclelight.com/2451500.html

http://vehiclelight.com/2504450cbz.html
 

Last edited by aquanaut20; Oct 8, 2007 at 10:03 AM.
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