For Mitsubishi Outlander 2013 2016 Third Brake Light OEM Number 8334A113 • $43.73 (2024)

FAQs

Does the third brake light matter? ›

A pulsing third brake light can increase the reaction times, thereby making your drive safer. Taking your eyes off of the wheel for even a fraction of a second can put you at significantly greater risk of getting into a collision.

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. Does it work?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) repeated Voevodsky's experiment on a larger scale, and concluded that center high mounted stop lamps, as the government calls them, reduce accidents and injuries. As a result, in 1986, NHTSA began requiring all new cars to have a third brake light.

Testing brake lights

Turn on the ignition and press the brake pedal, while someone at the back of the vehicle checks both lights are in working order. If you're alone, you can look through the rear view mirror and use the reflection of the garage door or a window to test brake lights.

In most instances, we believe the answer is yes.

As mentioned, all cars 86 and up require a third brake light. You can remove it if you like, but you won't pass your state inspection without it. If a cop is behind you, he may pull you over for not having it, as it's a pretty important safety feature. With that said, I don't run one on my 05 with the CDC spolier.

The first thing I would check is your fuse number 34, this fuse is in the rear fuse block below the left rear seat. This fuse powers your outside brake lights, your center third brake light has its own fuse that is why that one would still work if the fuse is blown.

A: The third brake light needs to be wired directly to the brake light switch for constant on/off. If the 3rd light is flashing then it's wired to the brake light circuit after the turn signal switch. In some cases the brake lights and turn signals use the same bulbs/circuit.

Turn the ignition to the on position, but don't start the car. With no pressure on the brake pedal, touch the test light lead to each of the two wires on the switch. Only one wire should cause the test light to illuminate.

What is the difference between a tail light and a brake 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.

Put one end of the floor brush/ mop on the brake pedal. Alternatively use what ever you are using to engage the brake pedal. Push down until the brake is engaged and then lock in place so that the pedal remains pushed down. Go around the back of your car and check the lights.

The first thing I would check is your fuse number 34, this fuse is in the rear fuse block below the left rear seat. This fuse powers your outside brake lights, your center third brake light has its own fuse that is why that one would still work if the fuse is blown.

In Texas, vehicles are required to have a 3rd brake light that is mounted higher than the vehicle`s left and right brake lights.

By law, you need to have two working brake lights. However, because they're positioned on the back of your car, it's not unusual to go a few days without noticing that one of your bulbs has gone. As soon as you're aware that one of your brake lights is faulty, make sure you fit a new bulb straight away.

A non-functioning CHMSL is a violation of the law, but more importantly, fixing it is an effective way of reducing your chance of a rear-end crash.