Direct Installation Third Brake Light for Mitsubishi Outlander 2013 2016 • $44.25 (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to replace a third brake light? ›

The cost of aftermarket third brake light bulbs may range between $50 and $250 for parts alone. Several factors affect pricing, such as brand, warranty, color or finish, light source, and set inclusions. Labor may cost you an additional $25 to $75 depending on the rates in your area.

CHMSL stands for the center high-mounted stop lamp. In a vehicle, the CHMSL is mounted above the left and right brake lights (also called stop lamps).

To summarize these statutes, cars manufactured after September 1, 1985 and trucks, vans or SUV's manufactured after September 1, 1993 must be equipped with a rear high-center functioning tail light.

Replacing your car's brake light is a straightforward task you can manage yourself. However, before jumping in, be sure to look at your car's owner's manual. It helps by giving you a diagram of where everything is, making the brake light replacement process even easier.

Can I replace a brake light switch myself? Yes, in most cases, a brake light switch can be replaced by a DIYer with some common tools.

The Importance of Third Brake Lights

Also, called safety brake lamp or high-level brake lamp, the third brake light helps fellow drivers in knowing when you hit the brakes. It is useful when their view of the left and right brake lights is interrupted by other vehicles.

If your vehicle needs a headlight or other bulb replaced, visit any O'Reilly Auto Parts location or shop online to find the best headlight bulbs for your vehicle, as well as tail light bulbs, turn signal bulbs, brake light bulbs, and much more. We also offer FREE bulb installation*.

If it was a bad brake light switch your 3rd light would not work because there would be no current past the switch.

In 1986, the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) – or what we all think of as the “third brake light” – was mandated for use in the United States. The theory, of course, was that a brake light placed higher and more prominently at the back of the car would help to prevent rear-end collisions.

Yes, it is mandatory for all vehicles manufactured after September 1, 1985 to have a functioning 3rd brake light.

Is the tail light and brake light the same light? ›

Tail lights are engaged when the you turn on your headlights or when your parking brake is on, whereas the brake lights will light up immediately when you apply pressure to the brakes. On most vehicles, the tail lights are red and the brake lights are a more luminous red.

Push on the brake pedal. If the switch is functioning, the light should now illuminate. If it did not, the switch is bad.

As of August 2017 Texas has added a new rule to the safety inspection. All vehicles require three working stop lamps (brake lights). The required brake lights consist of the two standard brake lights on each side of the rear of the vehicle.

The position of the third brake light varies according to different cars. Usually, you can find it installed inside the back glass of the vehicle. It can be located in the car's deck lid. For a few trucks, the third brake light may be located on the spare wheel carrier.

Usually this means that the car body or frame has worn through the insulation on the brake light wiring harness. When the bare wire make contact with the body or frame, the fuse blows. These can be challenging to find, but they are easy to fix.

Like stop lamps at the corners, the CHMSL indicates when the driver is braking, but its position and function add an extra layer of safety. Positioned higher than the corner stop lamps, the third brake light is more visible to other drivers.