Brake light issues

[Epadilla0616]

When I press the break pedal, my break lights turn on, then shut off. Sometimes they will stay on while holding the break pedal but sometimes they will shut off even when break pedal is pressed. Not sure what it could be. Has this happened to anyone?

2003 Ford Expedition
156,000 mi
4.6L 2X2 XLT


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[Plati]

Sounds a lot like this one.
https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/03-eb-5-4-rwd-brake-lights-flickering.36304/#post-311385

Bet you $28.67 thats it!!

 

[1955moose]

Well if you don't want to swap out chains now, and don't mind a little power drop, theirs a phaser elimination kit you can buy. I second the brake light switch. Easiest way to check, is touch the two wires together after disconnected from switch. If the lights light and stay lit, theirs your culprit. Very common to fail after 10 or more years. Buy a quality replacement, not their cheapie.


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[1955moose]

Sorry about the first part, that was meant for the guy with the marbles sound. I backed it off my screen, but it printed anyway. Disregard the first few lines

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[Epadilla0616]

Thank you guys for your fast response. I will check the break light switch. Autozone has a stop light switch for $46.99. I’m thinking of buying it. First I’m going to take it off and clean the connectors with a spray can that cleans electronic connections. See if that helps.




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[Plati]

Smart move ... visual inspection first. Might be partially disconnected or weak crimp/terminal problem. Dirty corroded etc.
Always good to diagnose and observe a problem vs parts shotgun.

Seems like a high price though, the Ford Motorcraft part is $29.99

Make sure you report back!

 

[Epadilla0616]

Yeah $46.99 isn’t cheap. Lol so if I can fix without buying that’s my goal . I’ll check it out later and update u guys, thanks!


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[Epadilla0616]

So I took off the switch and opened it up I noticed that the copper inside looks wasted on one side. I cleaned the whole thing with electronic cleaner spray and also cleaned the plugs. Put it back together and it started working. Not sure if it just wasn’t making good contact or what. But looks like i will have to replace it some day. But as long as it’s working right now I’ll hold off on it.

Here is a picture of what I was talking about when I said it looks wasted.




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[1955moose]

Corrosion is responsible for probably 75 percent of most electrical problems. You just saved yourself $46.00. Good excuse to take the wife or girlfriend out for dinner. Check your brake lights every couple of weeks, I do. I keep a long walking stick in my vehicle, prop it against seat and brake pedal. Peace of mind that our city's finest won't light me up, and ruin my evening over a $2.00 bulb.

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