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Third Brake Light - using the Ford 7Pin plug ? for 2025-plus OEM module

Q1svt

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Third Brake Light - using the Ford 7 Pin plug ? for 2025-plus OEM trailer module.

Looking to add a third brake light
Ford OEM Tow wiring for the 7 pin does not have a separate wire just left/right turn signal

In the MOOOOORE light thread 'Let's talk lights. How much lighting needed? I need suggestions.' @Gluestick shared 'diode dynamics C1R' wiring that splits before plug, good product ... but diode dynamics is having error codes issues on Ford Bronco modules FROM mid 2024 - current

Yes, using a 7 pin can be an issue when off-roading ... re-breaking it on rocks... non-issue for me, I'll be running a simple little tow hitch skid plate and horn

I'm looking at a simple wiring of two relays, may add enough resistance to help with Ford's test function(s) ... but interested in what someone has done. interested if anyone has a Ford wiring/fusing document/schematic on trailer kit ? Do have the install.

Brake light is 9-14.8 VDC, 24 LED, and 310 mA

Chase lights 2, 9-14.8 VDC, 24 LED, and 330 mA

Thanks in advance


[this his a temporary third brake light to stay legal when my OEM third light is blocked by a tire cargo carrier when in use... and the 7 pin allows 12v power for other lighting attached to carrier... ]

yes there are other ways... like to relocate light, but interested in this way ;^)

Ford Bronco Third Brake Light - using the Ford 7Pin plug ?  for 2025-plus OEM module Screenshot 2026-08-09 at 10.19.31 AM
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Gluestick

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You can cut the OEM third brake light wire and use Deutsch connectors to act as extensions to mount it wherever you like. I also got a morimoto 5-stop I used for awhile but you’ll need to drill holes and get creative with the bracket.
 
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Q1svt

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Thanks @Gluestick ... I've read your posts on your build, and your use of the DT connector.

My AAL Mass Storage is not going to be on my rear tire much, except when doing off road trips. I've gotten some AL rectangle tubing to raise the platform so the OEM third brake light will slip between the lower and upper parts. It will also allow for extra storage of long items in the pocket.

Looks like two relays will do what I want [can be use in a 4 pin or 7 pin]
Left turn - in #85/ out 86 ... [from or to light, then ground]
Right turn - in #85/ out 86 ... [from or to light, then ground]

When both are 'true' then current ... in #30/ 87 and to second in #30/ 87 will feed third brake light [can use running light power 4 pin, or a 7 pin (12v power)]
A 7 pin allows 12v for strobe chase lighting ...

My extra Baja Design lights will have a separate power to a source & switch in the rear cargo when driving and at camp into a Jackery ... like others, I cannot have to much lighting around camp, add motion sensors to shock critters and wonderers that get to close

Everything disconnects and stores very easy ...
 
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C6ZZGT

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Thanks @Gluestick ... I've read your posts on your build, and your use of the DT connector.

My AAL Mass Storage is not going to be on my rear tire much, except when doing off road trips. I've gotten some AL rectangle tubing to raise the platform so the OEM third brake light will slip between the lower and upper parts. It will also allow for extra storage of long items in the pocket.

Looks like two relays will do what I want [can be use in a 4 pin or 7 pin]
Left turn - in #85/ out 86 ... [from or to light, then ground]
Right turn - in #85/ out 86 ... [from or to light, then ground]

When both are 'true' then current ... in #30/ 87 and to second in #30/ 87 will feed third brake light [can use running light power 4 pin, or a 7 pin (12v power)]
A 7 pin allows 12v for strobe chase lighting ...

My extra Baja Design lights will have a separate power to a source & switch in the rear cargo when driving and at camp into a Jackery ... like others, I cannot have to much lighting around camp, add motion sensors to shock critters and wonderers that get to close

Everything disconnects and stores very easy ...
Did you try a C1R ? I`ve had zero issues on my Job2 24 or our 23. I plan on using a DD4100 splitter to run to another light.
 
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Did you try a C1R ? I`ve had zero issues on my Job2 24 or our 23.
I like diode dynamics and their products... THEY were very honest and I appreciate that ...

NO... I called and spoke with diode dynamics directly. THEY told me they were having issues with Ford Broncos, It started sometime late in the 2024 models. and all years going forward.

I tried to ask questions and they just stated they would not recommend the purchase the Hitch Mount LED Pod 7-Pin Reverse Kit /CR1 product for my 2025 Bronco and that they think they would need to build a custom harness to fix the issue(s)..
 

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I like diode dynamics and their products... THEY were very honest and I appreciate that ...

NO... I called and spoke with diode dynamics directly. THEY told me they were having issues with Ford Broncos, It started sometime late in the 2024 models. and all years going forward.

I tried to ask questions and they just stated they would not recommend the purchase the Hitch Mount LED Pod 7-Pin Reverse Kit /CR1 product for my 2025 Bronco and that they think they would need to build a custom harness to fix the issue(s)..
Sorry to hear that,again zero issues on both ours.
 
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I like diode dynamics and their products... THEY were very honest and I appreciate that ...

Not a problem… It’s clear Ford changed their tow package at some point, the VS2DZ-15A416-C states it’s for 2025 - current, but there are posts about Ford OEM shortages during the end of 2024 into 2025 model year.

Vehicle CAN bus (software coding) wiring in general and tow/trailer wiring is a long way from just tapping into a few rear lighting wires… lol Don’t think fixing software issues in trailer lighting functions is high on any OEM priority list…

The CR1 is nice that it’s in the wiring before the actual female connector… but Ford I’m guessing has ability to detect modifications in their wiring into that female connector… It looks like Diode Dynamics is using a miniature circuit to create a ‘third brake light function, like what I am about to try with the two relays. AND using the tow wiring allows for a lot of other lighting functions... My parts will be here soon so I can bench test my approach .

Ford Bronco Third Brake Light - using the Ford 7Pin plug ?  for 2025-plus OEM module Screenshot 2026-08-11 at 3.22.23 AM



AGAIN my extra third brake light and rear chase lights are not being install on my bronco, it’s going on my cargo carrier and is removable so using the tow 7 pin works just fine for me…


Companies deal with a lot of OEM issues to insure their products work BUT …

diode dynamics C1R install instruction:
Step 5 - Test Function.
Verify that reverse and running lights function correctly. If your C1R includes a brake light, test that as well. Some vehicles may change trailer-related settings when a 7-pin is connected—this is normal. Power cycle your vehicle if the light does not turn on, and contact Diode Dynamics if issues persist.

Step 6 - Optional Red Wire Lead for Brake Signal Compatibility.
If your vehicle disables the brake light circuit when a trailer is detected, or if you experience flickering or trailer detection warnings, you may use the included red wire tap harness.

Disconnect the red AMP-style plug from the 7-pin harness. Then, connect the red AMP-style plug on the tap harness into the exposed port on the 7-pin harness. Cover the disconnected lead with the included cap and secure it out of the way.

Next, use the included T-tap to tap into your vehicle’s factory brake light wire near the tail lamp. Connect the wire lead from the tap harness to the T-tap. This will provide the C1R with a clean brake signal, resolving most compatibility issues.



....
My additional rear 7 pin lighting
Extra third brake to be legal when OEM one is blocked
Extra third brake allows for running light
Adding two bright strobing amber chase lighting units
Adding amber turn signals [low light comes w/chase]
Adding two Baja S2 pods

Pull one 7 pin plug and two straps and it all comes off the Bronco and she is a mall crawler again...
 

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Third Brake Light - using the Ford 7 Pin plug ? for 2025-plus OEM trailer module.

Looking to add a third brake light
Ford OEM Tow wiring for the 7 pin does not have a separate wire just left/right turn signal

In the MOOOOORE light thread 'Let's talk lights. How much lighting needed? I need suggestions.' @Gluestick shared 'diode dynamics C1R' wiring that splits before plug, good product ... but diode dynamics is having error codes issues on Ford Bronco modules FROM mid 2024 - current

Yes, using a 7 pin can be an issue when off-roading ... re-breaking it on rocks... non-issue for me, I'll be running a simple little tow hitch skid plate and horn

I'm looking at a simple wiring of two relays, may add enough resistance to help with Ford's test function(s) ... but interested in what someone has done. interested if anyone has a Ford wiring/fusing document/schematic on trailer kit ? Do have the install.

Brake light is 9-14.8 VDC, 24 LED, and 310 mA

Chase lights 2, 9-14.8 VDC, 24 LED, and 330 mA

Thanks in advance


[this his a temporary third brake light to stay legal when my OEM third light is blocked by a tire cargo carrier when in use... and the 7 pin allows 12v power for other lighting attached to carrier... ]

yes there are other ways... like to relocate light, but interested in this way ;^)

Ford Bronco {thread} {filename}
Grab the Diode Dynamics SS10 Chase Kit. It plugs in-line to the factory tail light connector with our harness and gives you RUNNING, BRAKE, REVERSE and from your upfitter... CHASE light functions.

Make sure you add-on our KR Off-Road Brackets, as we're the only ones who currently make a U-Bracket to mount the chase light which simplifies installation

SS10 Chase Light: https://www.4x4truckleds.com/diode-dynamics-ss10-10-led-chase-light/

Harness (this will NOT work the chase light, but when we see you ordering the Chase Light we'll provide the right harness... this is a place holder for pricing): https://www.4x4truckleds.com/diode-...ight-wiring-harness-kit-for-2021-ford-bronco/
 

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I like diode dynamics and their products... THEY were very honest and I appreciate that ...

NO... I called and spoke with diode dynamics directly. THEY told me they were having issues with Ford Broncos, It started sometime late in the 2024 models. and all years going forward.

I tried to ask questions and they just stated they would not recommend the purchase the Hitch Mount LED Pod 7-Pin Reverse Kit /CR1 product for my 2025 Bronco and that they think they would need to build a custom harness to fix the issue(s)..
We actually offer the C1R for the Broncos. We provide an additional harness that utilizes the tail light for it's power feeds: https://www.4x4truckleds.com/diode-dynamics-hitchmount-led-pod-reverse-kit/

You just have to select FORD BRONCO in the drop down.
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