Brake lights not working

[fordX2]

Hi everyone,

Newbie to the boards.

I have a '99 Expedtion XLT, 5.4L, 4x4, original owner. Noticed today that all the brake lights are not working. This includes both left/right brake light and the 3rd brake light. Both turn signals, backup lights are working however.

Any suggestions before I start with the usual fuse checking, swap bulbs, etc?

 

[fordX2]

After more evaluation, I discovered that the problem resided at the brake light switch. Initially, I just jiggled around the wires/connector and this fixed the problem - temporarily however.

Turns out the wires kept coming loose consequently affecting the brake lights. So I just decided to change out the brake light switch. I found the part at NAPA. The NAPA P/N is: ECHSL108. 10 minutes later, the problem was solved.

Upon closer inspection of the defective part and new part, they are both very identical, right down to the Ford logo and pin-out numbers. The part is from Echlin (disty or manufacturer - I'll google them later).

 

[falcn]

Originally posted by fordX2
After more evaluation, I discovered that the problem resided at the brake light switch. Initially, I just jiggled around the wires/connector and this fixed the problem - temporarily however.

Turns out the wires kept coming loose consequently affecting the brake lights. So I just decided to change out the brake light switch. I found the part at NAPA. The NAPA P/N is: ECHSL108. 10 minutes later, the problem was solved.

Upon closer inspection of the defective part and new part, they are both very identical, right down to the Ford logo and pin-out numbers. The part is from Echlin (disty or manufacturer - I'll google them later).

Was the connector on the wire side in any way defective or were the connectors on the original brake switch obviously worn?

 

[fordX2]

The connectors on the switch itself were worn. I popped the cover off the switch and discovered that the connection between the "spade" connectors (pins 1,2,3) were shorted.

The wire side connector harness seemed to be intact.

 

[falcn]

Originally posted by fordX2
The connectors on the switch itself were worn. I popped the cover off the switch and discovered that the connection between the "spade" connectors (pins 1,2,3) were shorted.

The wire side connector harness seemed to be intact.

Hmm was there corrosion in there that looks like it could have caused the short?

Seems a little strange for it to just short out, unless it just plain mechanically wore out on the inside and shorted. Maybe I will grab my tube of dialectric grease and start coating some of my under dash connectors.

 

[JUST4FUN]

It sounds like the windsheild might be leaking , look at the
E-brake metal to look for rust/corrosion good luck

 

[brianedonovan]

Were is the shitch located. I have the same problem a shorted switch...I am sure, Is it the thing cotter pinned in on yhe brake assy? above the pedal slide motor?


Thanks
Brian

 

[brianedonovan]

yes that was it. No corrosion or anything there though...weird same short as listed byother post as well.
Just a little info for you.

Brian

 

[chrisandjaclyn]

I have the same problem. Can anyone tell me where the brake light switch is located?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[brianedonovan]

It is where I originally posted. It is on the brake pedal slide motor. It is cotter pinned to it. It is very easy to remove and install a new one.

 

[chrisandjaclyn]

Sorry to be an idiot but where is the Brake Pedal Slide Motor? I greatly appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[brianedonovan]

If you don't have adjustable pedals you wont have one. But in any case the switch is on the top of the brake pedal assy. The bottom being the pedal itself. Follow it to the top and you will see a black box with wires coming out of it. That is the switch. Remove the cotter pin from one side and slide it off and disconnect it. Replace it with the new one reversing the steps.

 

[chrisandjaclyn]

Brian,

Thanks; you are the man.



Chris

 

[brianedonovan]

You are very welcome

:troll: :rockband: