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-300x176 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  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.
    IMG_20141218_154253-300x116 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  4. Twist light bulb connectors from horizontal to 10 o’clock – 4 o’clock orientation (see picture).
    IMG_20141218_154453-300x225 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150IMG_20141218_154450-300x225 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  5. Gently remove bulbs.
    IMG_20141218_154516-300x219 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  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_154659-300x196 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
      IMG_20141218_154852-225x300 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  7. Plug in electrical connector into new light.
    IMG_20141218_154929-300x203 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  8. Place bulbs in new light in a 10 o’clock – 4 o’clock orientation (see picture).
    IMG_20141218_155313-300x176 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  9. Push and twist bulbs to be in a horizontal position.
    IMG_20141218_155457-300x162 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  10. Push 2 white plastic grommets into place holes.
    IMG_20141218_155535-276x300 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  11. Clean mounting surface with rag.
    IMG_20141218_155635-300x225 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150IMG_20141218_155829-300x225 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  12. Use DAP caulk to seal top half of mounting surface (optional).
    IMG_20141218_155955-300x225 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150IMG_20141218_160115-300x122 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  13. Line up clips with screw holes.
    IMG_20141218_155921-225x300 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150IMG_20141218_155936-225x300 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  14. Mount new light lining up starting from bottom.
    IMG_20141218_160153-225x300 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  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.
    IMG_20141218_160418-300x225 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
    IMG_20141218_160751-300x264 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  16. Screw in light.
    IMG_20141218_160537-300x225 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150
  17. Celebrate success!
    IMG_20141218_160325-300x225 Replacing 3rd brake light on 2005 Ford F-150

Don’t be selfish . . .

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