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Howdy folks!
Handy gal I am, but need a little help. Picked up an old ARE cap with the center handle and bars that lock the back. I need to wire the third brake light. I have a hitch that is already wired. How to do this? I've seen on larger ford trucks where there is an extra green wire under the truck labeled something like "High Mount Center Light" ( meaning third brake light for a cap).
Can I go into the tail light or will that cause flashing of the third brake light in cap when I signal? I've heard of Logic Boxes. Not sure if the light is bulb or LED. will check.
And is there an easy way to test the third brake light in the cap, aside from hauling out a big battery and hooking it up?
I'd love to do it with a harness that makes it easy to plug in and out for when i want to take the cap off, but I'd settle for just a working light.
I couldn't find any you tube videos Ranger specific, and I have a hurt shoulder so can't go crawling around under there all ***** nilly. Anybody have a solid answer on this? And a detailed how-to? Or do I need to pay big bucks to have a shop do it? Got quoted a minimum of $150.
Hopefully you can see the photos.
Many thanks to anyone who can guide me on to the best and easiest path! :). ~ Jenn
So its just has the high stop light and no cargo light on the cap?
If you have an STX model then it had separate brake lights, if its not an STX then stop and turn share a filament on each side, you will need to run another wire to the cab to get the steady brake light only signal
You can just turn on a turn signal and put something on the brake pedal, so brake lights are on, easy to see if you have separate bulb for stop light
Never seen a Ranger with cap high brake light wire, full size trucks yes
The trailer wiring would have shared brake/turn bulbs if its not an STX model
If connector has 4 wires, it has shared turn/brake.
Ground
Tail/Park lights
Left turn/stop
Right turn/stop
if 5 wires if should have separate brake light wire
Ground
Tail/Park lights
Stop
Left turn
Right turn
Yes, you can buy converters, 2 wire to 3 wire, or 3 wire to 2 wire
2 wire to 3 wire gives you a separate stop light wire
RonD, thank you so very much!
SO much helpful info in your reply!
Well I called Leer because the "new to me" used cap I will NOW be getting does NOT have a third brake light. Maybe it did at once but not now, so I will have to buy one.
My Ranger- stop and turn share a filament.
Would you be able to detail the proper connector? I have heard some - logic box, chicklet....not sure how to go. But would really like to be able to tap into tail light instead of run a wire all the way up to cab brake light under vehicle. Seems more difficult, and it's hard for me to get down on the ground right now while shoulder is recovering.
If you have the time and inclination and know of the parts and links, boy, you'd be my hero. In any case, I sure do appreciate what you have contributed!
RonD, thank you so very much!
SO much helpful info in your reply!
Well I called Leer because the "new to me" used cap I will NOW be getting does NOT have a third brake light. Maybe it did at once but not now, so I will have to buy one.
My Ranger- stop and turn share a filament.
Would you be able to detail the proper connector? I have heard some - logic box, chicklet....not sure how to go. But would really like to be able to tap into tail light instead of run a wire all the way up to cab brake light under vehicle. Seems more difficult, and it's hard for me to get down on the ground right now while shoulder is recovering.
If you have the time and inclination and know of the parts and links, boy, you'd be my hero. In any case, I sure do appreciate what you have contributed!
