3rd Brake Light Problem
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Brampton Canada
3rd Brake Light Problem
The 3rd brake light on my friend's 1998 Explorer constantly flickers when the truck is not running. Is there a quick fix or a way to disconnect the 3rd brake light?
Thanks
Thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
On the 1998 the ballast for the third brake light is on the same circuit, activated by the same stop lamp switch, as the "normal" brake lights. I'd say you either have a ground issue for the ballast or the ballast itself has issues.
-Rod
-Rod
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Not according to the factory service manual for a 1998 Explorer. Fuse 13 (20A) in the instrument panel fuse panel (I./P FP) provides power through half the stop light switch to the RH and LH stop lamps, the ballast for the third brake light, and the Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) module. This circuit is also tied to the Multifunction Switch (MFS) to provide power to the trailer wiring harness for braking. A second pole in the stop light switch provides a signal to the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) from a separate fused circuit, fuse 3 (7.5A) in the I/P FP.
-Rod
-Rod
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
Well I see ip fuse 13 has stayed the same as on my 97, but on m 97 the BOO switch feeds a splice one leg of which is to IP fuse 2 & then on to the ballast.
I'm surprised that they would eliminate that fuse on the 98.
I'm surprised that they would eliminate that fuse on the 98.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
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From: Omaha, NE
The brake pedal switch is permitting a very small amount of current to pass through. Not enough to illuminate the normal brake lamps but just enough to cause the LEDs to flicker.Replace the pedal switch.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
On the 1998 Explorer the third brake light is a fluorescent bulb with a ballast, not an LED. I don't think a small leakage current would be enough to cause the bulb to illuminate.
Graygeorge has a good point, the OP needs to make sure the regular brake light bulbs work properly. Also if the vehicle has trailer wiring installed and the installer spliced in to the factory wiring rather than plugging in to the trailer connector under the driver's taillight, I'd be focusing my attention on the splices.
-Rod
Graygeorge has a good point, the OP needs to make sure the regular brake light bulbs work properly. Also if the vehicle has trailer wiring installed and the installer spliced in to the factory wiring rather than plugging in to the trailer connector under the driver's taillight, I'd be focusing my attention on the splices.
-Rod
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Welcome to the forum!
What year is your Explorer, and where was the damage? If the rear, the 3rd brake light probably flickers from an intermittent connector or a faulty ground.
The Theft light probably always blinked, you just didn't notice it before. It's often not a function of the doors even being locked, just the keys being out of the ignition and the doors closed.
-Rod
What year is your Explorer, and where was the damage? If the rear, the 3rd brake light probably flickers from an intermittent connector or a faulty ground.
The Theft light probably always blinked, you just didn't notice it before. It's often not a function of the doors even being locked, just the keys being out of the ignition and the doors closed.
-Rod
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