Ford Bronco II Third Brake Light

Ford Bronco II Third Brake Light Upgrade & Installation Guide

This guide documents how to add a third brake light (center high mount stop lamp) to a Ford Bronco II using a factory-style light from a 1995–2005 Chevy Astro Van or Chevy S-10 Blazer. The installation covers wiring the third brake light into the factory brake light circuit, routing wiring through the A-pillar and headliner, mounting the light to the rear hatch, and sealing it properly to prevent leaks.

This modification improves rear visibility and braking safety while maintaining a clean, OEM-style appearance. The article includes step-by-step photos, wiring details, mounting tips, before-and-after images, and updated modern replacement options using LED third brake lights that are readily available today.

Topics covered: Ford Bronco II third brake light installation, brake light wiring, center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL), Chevy Astro third brake light swap, S-10 Blazer brake light, rear hatch mounting, LED brake light upgrade.

Introduction

When the third brake lights started showing up in the 1980’s, I thought they were pretty dumb looking. But since they have been around a while I find they do make it easier to tell if the car in front is stopping.

I wanted to update the Bronco II, so I started looking for a 3rd brake light assembly to install on it. I liked the shape of the light on my Astro Van, so I went to the wrecking yard and got this 3rd brake light from a 1995-2005 Chevy Astro Van:

The Chevy S-10 Blazer used a similar style 3rd brake light.

First step was to pull the trim off above the door, back window and hatch. I also took the trim off the A-Pillar.

I ran a wire from the green wire on the brake light switch up the A-pillar and back to the rear dome light. There is a wire bundle that runs the whole length that goes to the electric hatch lock and dome light. I used wire ties to secure the wire to that bundle.

This was the hardest part since the headliner backing is very brittle and would break if bent very much.

Next, I marked and drilled the holes for the tabs on the bottom of the light, and for the wires to run through.

I stayed close to the hatch so that the screws and wires would end up in the metal brace that runs across the hatch. I ran a ground wire to the dome light ground and put it all back together. The light had a foam gasket on it, but I still ran a bead of clear RTV around the holes and mount screws to make sure it didn’t leak.

Before

After

Update

This is an old submission, but the idea is still a good one, but you don’t necessarily have to go hunting in a salvage yard to find a 20-year old light assembly from a Chevy Astro Van or S-10 Blazer. I found these replacement lights doing a search on Amazon.

ZULOW 3rd Third Brake Light (Smoked)

ZULOW 3rd Third Brake Light Smoked Led High Mount 3rd Brake Stop Light Cargo Lamp For Astro 1995-2005:

 

DOTCOM LED 3rd Brake Light (Clear)

DOTCOM LED 3rd Brake Light, Compatible with 1992-2004 Chevy, clear lens with black housing.

Tresound 3rd Third Brake Light (Smoked)

Tresound 3rd Third Brake Light for 1994-2005 Blazer, 1996-2001 Bravada, LED High Mount Lamp Stop Light (Smoked)