Where's the common ground located?

[harryexpedition]

2008 XLT Expedition,
Just had console shift lever lock in park and used manual unlock to get home.
From research and comments, replaced brake light switch without success or change, brake lights did and still work OK.
Besides shift lever stuck in park, the autodaylights and turn signals lights are inoperative.
I have checked fuses and found no issues.
I am suspecting that there may be a grounding problem common to these systems.
I do not have wiring diagrams to know where the grounds are located.
Anyone know where I need to look?
Thank You. Harry

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

2008 XLT Expedition,
Just had console shift lever lock in park and used manual unlock to get home.
From research and comments, replaced brake light switch without success or change, brake lights did and still work OK.
Besides shift lever stuck in park, the autodaylights and turn signals lights are inoperative.
I have checked fuses and found no issues.
I am suspecting that there may be a grounding problem common to these systems.
I do not have wiring diagrams to know where the grounds are located.
Anyone know where I need to look?
Thank You. Harry

Have you checked your battery terminal posts and connectors for oxidation and/or corrosion? If they are suspect, I would remove the connectors and clean them and the posts with a battery terminal cleaning tool.

 

[harryexpedition]

Hello 99WhiteC5Coupe,
I did what you suggested to clean batt. pos, batt. main neg and batt. neg to body connections.
Sure enough! It worked. I was thinking of hidden body grounds and local squirrels eating wires and who knows what else. Now I have an extra Motorcraft brake light switch that I don't need.
Oh well. Thanks for the suggestion for whats obvious, I just didn't think simple stupid.
Cheers. Harry

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Hello 99WhiteC5Coupe,
I did what you suggested to clean batt. pos, batt. main neg and batt. neg to body connections.
Sure enough! It worked. I was thinking of hidden body grounds and local squirrels eating wires and who knows what else. Now I have an extra Motorcraft brake light switch that I don't need.
Oh well. Thanks for the suggestion for whats obvious, I just didn't think simple stupid.
Cheers. Harry

Good news - I’m glad the fix was easy and simple. Good luck.