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no brake lights!!!       #: 316
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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 09:35 am
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Turd-250
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 So I'm sitting here at work and an patiently waiting for a break to go out and figure out why my brake lights don't work.
Facts so far: 

1. neither side brake filiment works whether headlights are on or now.
2. the dim/running setting on both sides do work (like when you turn the headlights on).
3. nobody honked at me this morning, so i guess i was lucky nobody was up my butt lol

So, I am just looking for all the spots to check, as I have little time today to deal with it before I have to hit the road.  I assume there is a fuse that needs to be checked, the brake switch on the brake pedal, bulbs themselves (doubt they are the problem), wiring somewhere in between... ???


oh, its a 1999 2.5l 4cyl ranger, 171k miles, MANUAL transmission, xlt trim with manual doors & windows... tail lamps & lenses are stock.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 09:39 am
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JAMMAN

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 Does your 3rd brake light work?



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 09:43 am
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Turd-250
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 i shall check that out ASAP! thanks!



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:14 am
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 In short if the 3rd works your brake light switch at the pedal is OK, if it doesn't I would short the switch to see if you get lights.

If it works currently then there is a wire issue on the way to the backs.

If it doesn't work currently and shorting the switch doesn't result in lights we move on to the next chapter.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:25 am
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mhoward
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 Don't forget to check the fuse if the 3rd brake light doesn't work. Also, do the turn signals work on both sides? That proves the bulb filaments (high side) are working and also the wires running back to the lights. This is assuming you don't have the separate, amber turn signal bulb.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:36 am
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Turd-250
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 Alrighty! what I learned:

1. If i press the brake pedal WAY Way harder than needed during normal driving, then both left and right rear brakes come on.

2. 3rd brake light does NOT work.

Note (brought up by Bill), the brake bulbs do not share functionality with turn signals. separate bulbs on my 99 tails.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:39 am
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Turd-250
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 mhoward wrote: Don't forget to check the fuse if the 3rd brake light doesn't work. Also, do the turn signals work on both sides? That proves the bulb filaments (high side) are working and also the wires running back to the lights. This is assuming you don't have the separate, amber turn signal bulb.

lol thanks, i half way answered what you were getting at too lol!  brake bulbs are separated from turn sig bulbs - they don't share functionality like some vehicles.

either way, just to note, all 4 turn signals work just fine

and i will check fuzez ASAP.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:41 am
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Turd-250
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 so, the brake pedal switch does connect when depressed very hard, proving that both tails work and the 3rd does not.

so i likely need to adjust switch? and check the fuse for 3rd brake light, correct? anything else i can do on me next break?



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:46 am
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 Ah, okay. Didn't know what year you had. I converted my 2003 to 1999 3-bulb tails.

Sounds like either an adjustment to the brake switch is in order, or a new switch is in your future. Could just be the bulb out in the 3rd brake light.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:49 am
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Turd-250
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 i might as well stick a new bulb in there now if i can, any luck i might have a spare in the glove box lol!



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:49 am
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Turd-250
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 how would you go about adjusting the switch, if possible at all? i just want to get home without getting rear ended!!!



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 10:59 am
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mhoward
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 I just checked the service manual. Was for a 2000, but should be the same. There is NO adjustment. Sounds like you need a new brake pedal position switch.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 11:03 am
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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 11:04 am
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mhoward
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 It does refer to a spacer, so make sure that spacer is present... otherwise, that could be the issue.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 11:06 am
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Turd-250
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 said spacer, is that a rubber bushing that might need to be replaced as well?

and i'm assuming i'd best go with a motorcraft part? lol, not a big fan of electrical components from the lowest bidder haha!



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 11:07 am
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Turd-250
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 and thanks!
boy i tell ya what, i'm going to dig out my haynes and put it under the seat lol, sucks being away from your tools when you need them most!



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 11:09 am
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mhoward
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 Spacer is reference number 2. I believe that is nylon. If it is badly worn or missing, that could cause enough movement to prevent the switch from engaging when it should. Looks to be fairly simple to remove.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 12:24 pm
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 alrighty! i have a motorcraft BPP switch waiting on me at Oreilly's. and i bet i either have a 912 bulb for the 3rd brake light in the glove box or on a shelf in my garage



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 12:28 pm
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mhoward
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 Good deal! Just be careful on your way home so you don't get rear-ended!



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 01:54 pm
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Turd-250
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 you bet! i'll be taking my time lol



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 02:03 pm
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 Turd-250 wrote: you bet! i'll be taking my time lol

Well, in the case of being rear ended;

its not you that we worry about taking your time.. lol Its the ass-hat behind you who thinks his fire to get to is bigger than yours....



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 02:04 pm
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mhoward
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 True dat!



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 02:14 pm
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Turd-250
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 lol! i'm actually thinking about driving with my hazards on all the way home and constantly making corrections in my lane, kinda like a motorcycle does to be seen better... surely that would help a littel bit right? lol, otherwise i can proove that my light do in fact work if i get rear-ended... which i hope never happens!



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 02:15 pm
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 Hazards on wouldn't be a bad thing, especially if you have to drive home in the dark.



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 Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2017 02:31 pm
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 mhoward wrote: Hazards on wouldn't be a bad thing, especially if you have to drive home in the dark.I agree use your hazards for the ride home.



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