elib100

I just put a new shell on my 2017 XL. I'd like to disable the third brake light as I have done on my previous trucks so the red light doesn't shine into the cab when I'm on the brake at a stop light etc. I think I just removed the bulb previously but not sure if the 2017 can detect the missing/burnt out bulb. If I knew what it was looking for I could put a little resistor or something in there to fool it. Anyone done this? I searched on the forum but couldn't find the answer.

Thanks!

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

Best suggestion I've got, is to try it and see what happens. I always had caps myself until this truck, and got tired of the doom and gloom from cap dealers, about anything from the cruise won't work, to it'll screw up your turn signals. Never made a problem for me, hopefully it won't for you.

Steve83

FTW

elib100

Lol at the Gorilla Tape. Ya I'm realizing it's a little tight clearance, should have thought of it before the cap was installed. Also haven't driven when it's totally dark out yet, only at dusk and it wasn't as much of an issue. Perhaps there are changes in the light from the old model year where the light doesn't reflect as much. Also last truck was a short cab and this is a scab so that might be enough as well.

I'll report back if I do take the light apart.

ShirBlackspots

When I put a LED third brake light on my 2006, it disabled cruise control. I had to put a load resistor on it so that cruise control would work. Ford designed these trucks in such a way, that if the brake light was burned out, cruise control was disabled. The BCM or ECU checks for a load on the third brake light at all times, if there is none, cruise control is disabled. Its just really weird what Ford did.

RLXXI

Newer trucks aren't affected that way. I put an LED Recon 3rd brake light in, no issues with CC. 2006 had a GEM, the BCM didn't roll out till 2011.
.

ShirBlackspots

What's GEM?

ifallsron

Third light is a federal mandate.

From ask a trooper:
"Minnesota statute says that when a vehicle is equipped with stop lamps or signal lamps, such lamps shall at all times be maintained in good working condition.

"Under Minnesota law, a vehicle equipped with a third brake light that is not working would be in violation of the statute."

fordguy2100

Ok but he has a camper shell going on that has its own third brake light. He just doesn't like the glare from his "extra" brake light on the back of the cab and in front of the camper shell.

What's the point of jumping on your high horse if you can't ride?

PerryB

How about wiring in a load resistor like the ones used in older LED installations? You could tie it in to the wires behind the lamp fixture, tuck that into the roof cavity and then re-install the fixture, minus the bulb. I suspect that'd fool the system.