How to Install LED Brake Light
Applies to Most Mustangs
Posted August 12th, 2008 by TheProfessor
There are two reasons you may want to replace your stock brake light. You can get that more modern LED look and in many cases the stock Mustang brake lights fade after just a few years. This is a simple install but there are a couple of tricks to installing the part. See the Notes and Warnings section below...
First Impressions
The black finish of this part looks good on almost any car. It is a must-have for black cars, or cars with tint and/or blacked out tail lights.
What You'll Need
Ratchet and Deep Socket OR Combination Wrench: The two bolts that secure the assembly to the trunk interfere with a regular socket, so deep sockets will make the job easiest. You can also use a regular wrench like you saw in the video.
Screwdriver: Useful for prying connectors and harness fasteners.
New Third Brake Light Assembly: The one used in this episode is the blacked out, LED version. American Muscle has several styles to choose from on their third brake light page.
Helper to Press Brake Pedal: You want to make sure all of the LED clusters light up! You can also rest a tool box or something heavier on the brake pedal too.
Applications
The steps in this video apply to most Mustangs.
Notes and Warnings
The plastic surface seems a little vulnerable to scratches but that's the case with most plastics--be careful when washing or detailing not to use anything abrasive.
I have noticed that the connections between the brake light bulb sockets and the LED connectors (the blue pieces) are sensitive to placement. So not only do you have to make sure that the polarity is correct (black wire to black wire, etc.) but also check that the small paperclip-like wires on the blue connectors are lining up with the metal tabs inside the socket when you connect them.
It is a good idea to go back a few days later and check the brake lights again to make sure the connections are holding up and all LEDs are still getting power.
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How To Install a Chase (Sequential) Tail Light Kit
