Third Brake Light Removal (Bronco Raptor) - DIY how-to instructions & photos

[T Copp]

Love this thing and how it looks, but I’ve never really cared for the third brake light. Plus, it takes up a lot of rear window room.

I had no idea what I was doing going into this, but it was actually relatively simple. I didn’t think about taking pics until getting into it.

I should probably put this as “off-road use only” since driving without a third brake light is illegal.

With the tire removed, you can see the four torx screws there. Remove these.

This is where I was stumped for a moment. How to remove the wiring for just the brake light. The camera and light wires share a lumen here, come apart for the connections, then go back into the same lumen outside the swing gate.

I didn’t take a picture here, but the rear side of the third brake light assembly has nine torx screws (there was an extra one inside of mine). Unscrew all of these and the assembly with come apart. There is a connection inside! Simply disconnect the plug and then you can free the assembly from the vehicle (there is also a connection where a plastic fastener goes into a hole to secure wiring, simply pull this out).

Front side of assembly removed from vehicle.

Wiring is pictured here. Covered with electrical tape.

I zip tied the wire together, then used another zip tie securing it to the camera wiring so it wouldn’t flop around. This picture is inside of the tire mount.

Can’t see the wiring, can ya Russ?

Tire mounted back on, much cleaner look.

Spacing behind the tire.


Very easy modification. I haven’t driven it around yet, but did move it from inside the garage to outside, and put it in drive for a moment. No dash lights or errors came on.

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[raptorusmaximus]

i would consider a relocation to the center of the wheel.....

 

[T Copp]

i would consider a relocation to the center of the wheel.....

Yeah, someone has already mentioned this to me. It’s in consideration.

 

[terrapete]

Thanks for posting. I want to do the same. Maybe a chase light on the rim like this Rigid one.

https://www.google.ca/aclk?sa=l&ai=...hUKEwjC1-GV8YH7AhVzkYkEHWkzCNcQww8Iqwo&adurl=

Prefer one without the logo tho.

 

[T Copp]

Thanks for posting. I want to do the same. Maybe a chase light on the rim like this Rigid one.

https://www.google.ca/aclk?sa=l&ai=...hUKEwjC1-GV8YH7AhVzkYkEHWkzCNcQww8Iqwo&adurl=

Prefer one without the logo tho.

Yeah, that wouldn’t look bad.

 

[stormshadow3800]

I know this is a federal law for manufacturers to have on vehicles. I assume it is illegal to remove? Maybe that depends on your state. I'm no expert, but you may have some run-ins with Johnny law.

UPDATE: Just re-read your post and you stated this is for off-road only. Never mind!

 

[T Copp]

I know this is a federal law for manufacturers to have on vehicles. I assume it is illegal to remove? Maybe that depends on your state. I'm no expert, but you may have some run-ins with Johnny law.

Yeah, it is a federal law. When the time comes, I’ll just tell them it’s on back order from the factory.

 

[FellowM3]

Yeah, it is a federal law. When the time comes, I’ll just tell them it’s on back order from the factory.

Any update on how this feels?

I want to do the same, and maybe add a chase light. That third brake light takes up a lot of space.

 

[604Bronco]

Could consider something like this, since it serves multiple purposes: https://www.rigidindustries.com/2021-bronco-rear-chase-pod-light-kit-46727.html

 

[T Copp]

Any update on how this feels?

I want to do the same, and maybe add a chase light. That third brake light takes up a lot of space.

Still enjoy. I like not having that thing there. Chase light is a good option, still not sold on the ring brake lights behind the tire.

 

[helifino16]

...still not sold on the ring brake lights behind the tire.

Yeah, the whole time I read this I'm thinking about that option to stay street legal. It hides neatly behind the wheel and 'technically' does provide the 3rd Brake light.

These Brake lights always seem to appear to be some kind of afterthought, like "Oh yeah, we better throw some kind of light on there... Hmmm, I guess this will do."

You'd think with LEDs being what they are now that incorporating them discreetly into the top (soft and hard) with an option to activate a small one embedded on the roll bar when the top is off - would not be that hard to make happen.

I can remember a time when the taillights were so small and dim, that you'd be on top of someone in front of you at night before your headlights gave you a clue they were even there. Now the tail lights look like they fell off a building in Vegas/Times Square/etc. giving a new meaning to 'in your face'.

 

[Knives2.0]

Still enjoy. I like not having that thing there. Chase light is a good option, still not sold on the ring brake lights behind the tire.

Are you willing to part ways with it? I like the look of the Braptor 3rd light and would gladly swap out the one on mine

 

[T Copp]

Are you willing to part ways with it? I like the look of the Braptor 3rd light and would gladly swap out the one on mine

I never made an announcement on here or anywhere, but I sadly sold the Bronco in May.

Life changes. I miss it everyday.

I put the third light back on before selling. Sorry.

 

[Aviator]

Oracles LED 3rd Brake Light is an awesome looking replacement as well. I did an install and demo the light here:

 

[Tye]

Are you willing to part ways with it? I like the look of the Braptor 3rd light and would gladly swap out the one on mine

i will have the carrier and 3rd brake light for sale shortly

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