Go to www.dormanproducts.com. They make an aftermarket replacement light for a lot less than Ford. Then go to www.rockauto.com to buy it.
Rick
I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogspot.com
If the brake light in your dash is on , either the BRAKE FLUID LEVEL in the brake master cylinder in your engine compartment is LOW or your parking brake is on
To put brake fluid in a 1997 Ford Explorer, you must locate the brake fluid reservoir. Once you locate it, unscrew the cap, and replenish the brake fluid.
Remove the two screws holding the third brake light lens on then remove the lens, it may be stuck but it will pop off. Replace the two bulbs in there by pulling them straight out.
The 1997 Pontiac brake light fuse is located in the fuse box. The brake light fuse will be labeled as the tail light fuse.
On the brake pedal.
The red brake light on the dash means that the brake fluid is low or the parking brake is on.
On a 1997 Ford Explorer : The air bag readiness warning light is located in the bottom area of the tachometer . It is between and slightly above the " BRAKE " warning light and the left turn signal indicator . It looks like a person that is seated and has a oval shaped circle in front of them
Brake light fuse
1. Remove the third brake light by unscrewing the two bolts that hold it in. 2. Unplug the third brake light from it's wiring. 3. Strip back the positive (black and red), negative (black), and brake (green) wires. 4. Using electrical tape, attach your neon license plate wires accordingly. 5. Plug the third brake light back into it's plug 6. Have someone press the brake and see if it lights up. 7. Screw the third brake light back into it's spot. If you wire something wrong, don't worry. The WORST you can do is blow a fuse in the fuse box. Nothing will blow up... Enjoy!
Check bulbs?
are brake lights staying on or is brake in the dash on ?
Grab the cover over the third brake light and pull towards you ( away from the rear window) the plug is right there just twist to take bulb out