Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150

Don’t be selfish . . .

Our 3rd brake light was damaged in hailstorms. There were lots of cracks on the plastic and I know, eventually, moisture would burn out the bulbs or water might get into the cab.

This will work for Ford F-150s 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Steps:

  1. Buy part on Amazon for $40ish – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052UIKL4/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_11
    Screen Shot 2014-12-19 at 4.38.49 PM
  2. Get your tools ready:
    1. Phillips head screwdriver.
    2. Rag.
    3. Truck keys.
    4. Stick or 2×4 about 2 feet long, or happy assistant to push on brake pedal (children old enough to complain about chores are a great option).
    5. Caulk – I used DAP from Home Depot.
  3. Unscrew old light. Set screws aside in a place where they won’t roll off.
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  4. Twist light bulb connectors from horizontal to 10 o’clock – 4 o’clock orientation (see picture).
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  5. Gently remove bulbs.
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  6. Remove center bulb and discard.
    1. At first, I was worried that I had purchased the wrong part but removing the center bulb to expose the connector showed the new light was a plug-and-play match.
      IMG_20141218_154659
      IMG_20141218_154852
  7. Plug in electrical connector into new light.
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  8. Place bulbs in new light in a 10 o’clock – 4 o’clock orientation (see picture).
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  9. Push and twist bulbs to be in a horizontal position.
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  10. Push 2 white plastic grommets into place holes.
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  11. Clean mounting surface with rag.
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  12. Use DAP caulk to seal top half of mounting surface (optional).
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  13. Line up clips with screw holes.
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  14. Mount new light lining up starting from bottom.
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  15. Test light by turning on truck electric (position right be starting engine), placing 2×4 or other block between seat and brake pedal or asking assistant to press brake. I happened to have a the lug wrench handy.
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  16. Screw in light.
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  17. Celebrate success!
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Don’t be selfish . . .