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96 High mounted stop lamp (center brake light)

The center brake light is burned out on my 96 Explorer. I went to a parts store and asked for a bulb. They looked in a book (it wasn't on their computer) and sold me one that seemed way too small for $1.60. When I got home, and tried to change it, I realized that I couldn't get to the bulb without cutting some rivets. At the same time, I determined that the bulb I got is probably not the right one. I called the parts counter at the local Ford dealer, and they told me that the light is sold only as a unit, and it is about $250 for the part. Has anyone here replaced or repaired the light any cheaper than that? Is there something else I should check before shelling out big bucks for a new light?

Reply to
Ratbert
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Search Google Groups for "Third Brake Light on 97 Explorer questions". The '96 uses the same type of system. Looks like you can get it for about $204 at

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I've only ordered from them once myself, but the order came quickly and as promised - no muss, no fuss, much better price than the local dealers who all charge full list.

Steve

Reply to
Just_Steve

Reply to
lovs2fly

And by high voltage you mean?

Couldn't you just make an LED array? Dave

lovs2fly wrote:

Reply to
Davenandee

Reply to
Ratbert

Reply to
Fred 2

It's a "neon" lamp and uses a high voltage ballast. These were used on

95-97 Explorers
Reply to
Fred 2

Reply to
Ratbert

Also, it can be that the ballast is bad. That happened on my '95. That only cost $70 a few years back at Ford. You really want to diagnose the problem before you spend the money for the bulb. It probably won't be returnable.

Reply to
Dave

Reply to
Fred 2

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