How To: Convert to Escalade Third Brake Light (Simple Mod)

[THE YETI]

Didn't see a write-up on this so figured I would contribute something to this place. This is a VERY easy mod, takes literally 10 minutes if that.

With the help of Sumo, I was able to score an already painted black Escalade 3rd brake light from a 2008 Escalade, all complete, for $102.50.

Got it in the mail today and put it on immediately. Here's the how to:

This is what your stock 3rd brake light on the 07+ Tahoe, Suburban, Denali, and Yukon's would look like..

These are the tools you'll need: 10mm nut driver and a small star-bit. The two nuts and three bolts seen in this pic will be removed through this process and reinstalled with the new brake light.

Open up the glass and remove the two 10mm nuts from the hinges which attaches to the brake light housing (as seen in the pic). Also using the appropriate star-bit, remove the three bolts as pictured. They should all come out fairly easy, with very little resistance. You can also reach in and loosen the harness in the picture, but don't attempt to remove it just yet!

This is what it all looks like removed:

Now, open the liftgate up which will give you access to the wire harness. Remove the rubber grommet and pull a few inches of the wire out, it will come out freely without resistance. This will eventually expose the clip. Use a small screwdriver and pop the clip.

Now, close the lift gate gently, slowly lower the glass, and gently remove the old stock 3rd brake light.
Wallah!

Here is the old next to the new!

Now, do everything you just did in reverse! Here is the outcome!

Next up will be the Escalade tail light conversion.

 

[07Burb]

Nice write up dude!!!

 

[edgaranah1]

Wow $100 mod and you have a new rear end lol your trucks looks great. Looks like ill add it on the to do list. It seems to add up real quickly but it doesnt seem to shorten hahaha

 

[THE YETI]

thanks for the compliments guys (on the mod and the write-up). I'm going to do another write-up on the Escalade tail lamp conversion here shortly. As long as I can get to it this weekend! :shake:

 

[sumo]

Nice Mayn!, I unplugged it at the Light instead of removing the Grommet. Now its time to upgrade to the Putco

 

[THE YETI]

I'll be honest, ur not gonna like me for this..sigh.. but i dont like the putco. it looks like the "line of fire" to me. If the LEDs were closer, maybe double the amount, I'd like it more.

 

[felixgun]

i'll be honest, ur not gonna like me for this..sigh.. But i dont like the putco. It looks like the "line of fire" to me. If the leds were closer, maybe double the amount, i'd like it more.

LOL!

Nice write up man! The back end of our vehicles are almost twins

 

[sumo]

night and day,

 

[LuSe4]

Looks good, but the entire light doesn't light up? Only the center?

 

[soulsea]

Looks good, but the entire light doesn't light up? Only the center?

I believe that's how esky lights function ... the other leds are fo sho.

Hence the Putcos.

 

[dre]

great write up..........cuz i just got mine in the mail.....but it needs to be painted......so only the center lights up......if so whats the part number for that putco sumo......thanks

 

[sumo]

great write up..........cuz i just got mine in the mail.....but it needs to be painted......so only the center lights up......if so whats the part number for that putco sumo......thanks

putco ion chrome 930217
Putco clear 900217

 

[LuSe4]

I believe that's how esky lights function ... the other leds are fo sho.

Hence the Putcos.

Weird.

 

[felixgun]

Looks good, but the entire light doesn't light up? Only the center?

Unfortunately yes... wish it light up like the escalade ext's third brake light...

 

[pnap88p]

great mod i would love the one that lights up across the full top though.

---------- Post added at 09:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 PM ----------

putco ion chrome 930217
Putco clear 900217

which one of these it the one with the red lens and where did you end up ordering it as putco only sends you to other dealers.

---------- Post added at 09:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 PM ----------

Didn't see a write-up on this so figured I would contribute something to this place. This is a VERY easy mod, takes literally 10 minutes if that.

With the help of Sumo, I was able to score an already painted black Escalade 3rd brake light from a 2008 Escalade, all complete, for $102.50.

Got it in the mail today and put it on immediately. Here's the how to:

This is what your stock 3rd brake light on the 07+ Tahoe, Suburban, Denali, and Yukon's would look like..

These are the tools you'll need: 10mm nut driver and a small star-bit. The two nuts and three bolts seen in this pic will be removed through this process and reinstalled with the new brake light.

Open up the glass and remove the two 10mm nuts from the hinges which attaches to the brake light housing (as seen in the pic). Also using the appropriate star-bit, remove the three bolts as pictured. They should all come out fairly easy, with very little resistance. You can also reach in and loosen the harness in the picture, but don't attempt to remove it just yet!

This is what it all looks like removed:

Now, open the liftgate up which will give you access to the wire harness. Remove the rubber grommet and pull a few inches of the wire out, it will come out freely without resistance. This will eventually expose the clip. Use a small screwdriver and pop the clip.

Now, close the lift gate gently, slowly lower the glass, and gently remove the old stock 3rd brake light.
Wallah!

Here is the old next to the new!

Now, do everything you just did in reverse! Here is the outcome!

Next up will be the Escalade tail light conversion.

the picture showing both non installed lights shows in the trunk a little cubby hole area on the left side i do not have this in my truck what year and model is that. mine is a 2008 ltz with bose and remote on and power liftgate??

 

[THE YETI]

its a 2008 LTZ Suburban, every option available except 4WD. Probably don't have that unless you have the suburban.

 

[sumo]

pnap Cheapest place i found. There is no red putco version. Only clear and Ion chrome http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/Lighting/Putco-Pure-LED-Third-Brake-Light/_Cadillac-Escalade-2008?utm_content=4178286&utm_medium=affiliate&source=cj&utm_source=cj&utm_campaign=cj_affiliate&utm_term=10773290

 

[R_Sharpe]

I want to do this, but I can't stand the fact that only the middle lights up. I took your guys' on it, that even on the Escalade, only the center lights up. Well, today I found out that it isn't true. Today on the freeway, a nice black Escalade passed, and put on their brakes, me being the car geek I am, looked at the third brake light, and the entire thing lit up. I was amazed, and from that point on today, off & on, I've been thinking of how I could hopefully find a way to make the Esky third brake light light up completely. Anyone have any insight, at all?

 

[THE YETI]

I want to do this, but I can't stand the fact that only the middle lights up. I took your guys' on it, that even on the Escalade, only the center lights up. Well, today I found out that it isn't true. Today on the freeway, a nice black Escalade passed, and put on their brakes, me being the car geek I am, looked at the third brake light, and the entire thing lit up. I was amazed, and from that point on today, off & on, I've been thinking of how I could hopefully find a way to make the Esky third brake light light up completely. Anyone have any insight, at all?

thats not a stock third brake light. That is a PUTCO LED light that they put into the stock escalade housing. Sumo did this already. The housing will run you about $200 and the LED strip will run you another $300.

 

[plush]

SO what is the OEM part # for this as I am still looking for a black one. May just order it online.