3rd Brake Light Bulb Replacement on a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

Ford Explorer Model Years - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Steps to remove a middle brake bulb on a 2004 Ford Explorer

Learn More >

What would you like your bulbs to do? See Clearer Upgrade To LED HID Style

Consider a premium bulb like the Silverstar Ultra with a specially designed filament, proprietary gas mixture and lamp coating for the best downroad lighting. Learn more about Silverstar Ultra.
Upgrade your fog lights to LED with a direct install option that will connect easily to your car’s existing bulb housing. Sylvania has an option with aviation grade aluminum body and a turbo cooled fan. Check out Sylvania LEDs.
Consider a bulb like the zXe with a proprietary Xenon gas mixture to match the white light of HID lights for the brightest headlight and added clarity. More information on zXe bulbs.

Author

Hans Angermeier is an ASE certified Maintenance and Light Repair Technician and has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road. Over the past 10 years, Hans has been focused on building CarCareKiosk, which is visited by millions of drivers each month.

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 Lights Fog Light (replace bulb)
Replace fog lights

Don't be caught in the fog with burnt out fog light bulbs

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 Fuse (Interior) Replace
Replace an interior fuse

Got a short fuse? Don't blow a fuse, change it!

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 Battery Jumpstart
Proper jumpstart procedure

Learning how to jump your car before you need to is an excellent idea

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 Lights Turn Signal - Rear (replace bulb)
Change a rear blinker

Don't send mixed signals - if your turn signal doesn't blink, or blinks rapidly, you likely have a burnt out bulb

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
See all videos for the 2002 Ford Explorer
Share on   Share on Twitter   Share on Facebook
Parts & Tools
panel poppers
third brake light strips
electric screwdrivers
led replacement bulbs
dielectric grease
hid kits
gloves
We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate
Full list of part and tools
Video Description

The center brake light on your 2004 Ford Explorer, which is sometimes referred to as the third brake light or stoplight is also known as the center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL). The 3rd brake lights up when you hit the brake pedal and helps prevent you from being rear ended by the cars behind you. See how to change the center brake light (CBL) on your Ford Explorer in this how-to video. Be careful not to touch the bulb directly with your fingers when you replace the center brake light bulb on your Explorer, touching the bulb causes the it to burn out quicker.

A burnt out center brake light bulb in your Explorer is an excuse for a police officer to pull you over. Check your bulbs frequently and change burnt bulbs promptly. Sometimes the stoplight has multiple bulbs in the housing whereas in other vehicles, the 3rd brake light is an LED brake light strip that must be replaced all at once.

  • Advance Auto coupon for
    20% off entire order: KIOSK20
Ask Mechanic