1989 Ford Ranger XLT Only 3rd Brake not Working

[wkmiller]

I have a 1989 Ford Ranger XLT Automatic that Only 3rd Brake is not Working!

The Rear brakes function fine.
The wire going to the 3rd brake light is a Black/Pink.
Which on the electrical Diagrams is shown as being also used by the reverse lights.
I have not been able to find any electrical diagrams online that show the 3rd Brake Light circuit in them.

Now from what I have read if I were to tap into the Wiring for the Rear brake lights the 3rd Brake Light it would Flash with the Turn Signal.

I did see mention of being able to use a capped green wire from the fuse panel for the 3rd Brake Light so it won't blink.

But am hoping someone can direct me to an electrical diagram that shows the 3rd brake light circuit.

Thank You for any assistance provided, Wes

 

[fastpakr]

I thought that light was just for bed illumination, not a brake light.

 

[wkmiller]

Its a Red Colored Lens and Just behind it is the interior courtesy lamp which is functioning.
I did verify the ground to the light socket is good and the Bulb lights up when I jumper the Bulb to ground and the Courtesy Light Power. That wire is a Black/Light Blue.

 

[bobbywalter]

89 should not have 3rd brake light

 

[wkmiller]

89 should not have 3rd brake light

OK, Then what is the purpose of the RED Lens on the Back of the Cab,
Just to light it up?
In the State of Pennsylvania a RED Lens is a indication of signaling a Stop.
And on recent inspection mechanics failed it for not functioning as a Brake light.

 

[fastpakr]

I'm questioning my memory now. Black /pink ought to be an ignition keyed power wire though, not a brake light site.

 

[wkmiller]

I'm questioning my memory now. Black /pink ought to be an ignition keyed power wire though, not a brake light site.

I found the Manual , 1989 Truck Wiring Diagrams, Ranger/Bronco II (E978) FPS-12135-89R By the Ford Motor Company itself on Ebay for $6 so am waiting it's arrival to hopefully give an insight on the light and how it gets power.

 

[BlackBII]

'89 trucks didn't come with a third brake light. That lens should be clear as it's for bed illumination only. I'm guessing someone put an aftermarket red lens in there.

If you want it to work as a brake light, you'll need to tap into the wire that turns it on.

 

[adsm08]

Agreed. Rangers in particular, and pickups in general, didn't get 3rd brake lights until 96. You have a cargo lamp that somebody put a red lens on.

The early cargo lights, and the early 3rd brake lights without cargo lamps used the same size lens.

 

[wkmiller]

'89 trucks didn't come with a third brake light. That lens should be clear as it's for bed illumination only. I'm guessing someone put an aftermarket red lens in there.

Thanks for the Feedback.

 

[4x4junkie]

1993 was the first year Rangers got 3rd brake lamps.

Rotate your headlamp switch fully counterclockwise into the detent, the light should turn on.

 

[wkmiller]

1993 was the first year Rangers got 3rd brake lamps.

Rotate your headlamp switch fully counterclockwise into the detent, the light should turn on.

Yes indeed it did! Now will need to just change the lens to white and will be good to go for the state re-inspection.

Thank You to all who responded and clarified the lights purpose.

 

[adsm08]

Yes indeed it did! Now will need to just change the lens to white and will be good to go for the state re-inspection.

Thank You to all who responded and clarified the lights purpose.

I have a white one that should work on your truck. I'll trade you for the red one.

 

[wkmiller]

I have a white one that should work on your truck. I'll trade you for the red one.

On closer inspection of the light assembly I found that someone had put a red film over top the white lens. I just peeled that off and am now have a white lens.

 

[adsm08]

On closer inspection of the light assembly I found that someone had put a red film over top the white lens. I just peeled that off and am now have a white lens.

That works too.