The write-up below goes over the process of installing an LED 3rd brake light on a 2005-2009 Mustang. The installation is very simple and straight forward.
Tools Required:
- Flat head screwdriver
- Terry cloth or towel
Your first step is remove the stock 3rd brake light. Take a flat head screw driver and wrap the end in your cloth or towel. Use the head of the screwdriver to gently pry up from underneath the 3rd brake light as shown below. Be careful not to scratch the paint!
Do not attempt to pry off the entire third brake light in the first step. Run your finger along the bottom edge of the lens and pull out the middle section as shown in the picture below. Once the middle portion has been pulled away, you can move on to the right side of the lens and repeat the process.
After you've removed the lens from the trunk, this is what you'll be left with.
Now, we'll be removing the wiring connecting the lens to the vehicle. Take your flat head screwdriver and depress the tab as shown below. Once you have this tab pressed in, gently pull the harness away from the lens. This will release it so be ready to catch it!
Now take the entire assembly to a clean work area. Remove the black bulb housing from the stock 3rd brake light. This piece will be re-installed on the new lens. It simply prys off the back of the stock lens. Remove the clear bulb from the housing also as it will no longer be used.
We are almost ready for re-installation of the new smoked lens. Before we do this, take your new 3rd brake light and connect the small lead with black and red wire to the black housing you removed in the prior step. This is how the LEDs on the 3rd brake light will receive power.
It is important to note that the lead coming from the 3rd brake light will fit into the black housing both ways. Only one way will work though.
Now install the black bulb housing onto the new smoked 3rd brake light as shown below.
We are now ready to re-install the new lens and see these LEDs come to life! Plug the stock harness into the bulb housing on the new third brake light. Once you plug it in, the two center LEDs should come on. If they do not, then you switch the position of the lead (red & black wire) going into the black bulb housing.
Re-install the new lens by firmly pressing it back into place. You should here is "snap" or lock into position. Start at one end and then move to the middle and then finally to the other end. The new lens should fit just like OEM. Thats all there is to the install!
Below is a final shot of the new smoked LED third brake light installed. You can purchase the 3rd brake light directly on our site: http://www.stangmods.com/2005-Mustang-Smoked-LED-Third-Brake-Light-p/00811.htm
