Econoline Taillight Install

[doug510]

Hello,
I just got my new Econoline Taillights with the amber section for the turn signals. I am going to install them on my 05 Ex. It seems like it should be simple to convert the current red turn signal to the amber. Is this so? Has anyone done this conversion? And if so could you email me some instructions. Thanks again.

[2big4burb]

I found these instructions on the web a few years ago. I have no idea if they are accurate.




AMBER SIGNALS / RED BRAKES

To get the brake signal working independent of the turn signals:

Run the lower brake lights off of the upper 3rd brake light wire (because the upper brake light is not connected to the signals OR PLAN B: Use the wire that controls the front signals to control the rear signals.)
Open the inside rear headliner and splice a new wire on to the positive wire for the 3rd high middle brake light.
Route this wire to the passenger side and through the rubber grommet in the light mounting area (after removing the lens assembly.)
Wire this to the wire that was left after cutting the turn signa l wire from the existing socket.
Continue to extend this wire down and out of this area and over and up into the left side taillight area and splice it to the other wire in the original socket. The brake lights will now work independent of the signal.



To get the turn signals to work:

Get sockets from a 92-94 econoline for the single filament bulb for the amber turn signal
Cut the wire for the turn light on the X wiring at each taillight.
Wire this wire on each side to the positive wire for each new socket. (This will then go to the amber section of the lens.)
Tie in a ground to the remaining wire of the new socket.



To eliminating having the amber signals light up when the brakes are applied:

Remove the cover (upper and lower) that surrounds the steering column to gain access to the turn signal switch (combination switch)
Cut the brake signal wire that runs from the brake switch thru the turn signal switch contacts to the original stop/turn signal bulbs in the rear. That wire is located in the top of the column and is color coded light green. Cut and tape the ends of this wire just before it enters the combo switch. Test the operation before buttoning up.

Brakes should turn on red brake lights only (including center high light) and nothing else. Turn signal should operate only the amber signals. Running lights should light the lower intensity red lens. Emergency flashers only light up the amber signals.

[cturrisi]

I have done this one my '05 and am working on a write-up on how to do the change over. Just be aware, it is a little more involved than what was stated above. The truck brakes and turn signals will work correctly, but the trailer lights will not. You will need to "re-wire" the factory trailer relay harness with one of those amber tail-light converters from pepboys, etc.

Sorry for the not so great news....

[doug510]

I thought it was a little more involved. You want to come to my house and install mine? Why can't I just cut the existing wire that works the turn signals and hook it up to the new bulb. What a pain in the &%^. I installed the lights and they look great, just not functional yet.

[MotionMan]

Yea, it is a biotch, hardly worth the trouble unless better instructions are made like said. This is why they are not factory anymore, it is another $2 of wire. Not really, it is for the ease of trailer lights, you don't need the adapter and since these were made off the SD PU and made to tow they want the wiring to match in all cases. This is a whole bunch of splicing and opens you up to problems down the road and I know you don't want to have just had 2 beers and get pulled over for a tail light/ brake light failer I bet they would look better but who will notice besides you? I bet not even another X behind you. So unless this is some sick twisted fantacy of yours you may want to rethink it. Just kidding, this is a quick reply so I don't have smiley faces. :-))