Brake lights not working

Discussion in 'Technical' started by ryan's ride, Jan 21, 2008.

  1. ryan's ride

    ryan's ride Member

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    Hi guys, I was wondering if someone could help diagnose what the possible problems may be. I have checked the Lamp bulbs, they are working fine. I have never had any problems with the wiring. It is all stock. The four-way hazards work fine. I looked at the fuses, and was unable to exactly determine which fuse, I know it is not the warning lamp fuse. I looked at all fuses and they all looked good not one looked zapped. There was only one small one called inst. lps. that I could not see well, it is so small. Could it be this small fuse. I do not think so because it is only a four amp fuse. I checked the switch on the back of the brake pedal all looks normal. Is there another fuse for the break lights? I know that there is the big one for the turn signals. Is the other round one under my daxh for the break lights or is it just in the switch and fuse box? Seems to be no damage to lights and wires in the trunk. I have never had a problem like this in the four years that I have owned it. Any info would help. Thanks.
    :huh:
     
  2. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

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    It could be the fuse OR the brake light switch. Check the fuse first. Either replace it or pull it out and look at it closely. You should be able to look at it and tell if it's blown. If it looks good, unplug the brake light switch, get a small jumper wire and jump the plug. If your brake lights come on, replace the plug. It's kinda hard to get to so that's why I say do the fuse first. I feel sure one of these will fix your problem.
     
  3. ryan's ride

    ryan's ride Member

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    O.K. Which fuse? Is it in the box with the others?
     
  4. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

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    Does your dash lights come on? If so, it will likely be the brake light switch. I believe the inst lamp fuse you mentioned also works the brake lights.
    That's all the fuses you have, what's in that one fuse box.
     
  5. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    i think there is an adjustment for the...brake light switch...check and make sure it is correct, it could also be ...unpluged... :Handshake


    ...Frank...
     
  6. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

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  7. qicvick

    qicvick Member

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  8. mike75mav

    mike75mav Member

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    There is no brake light fuse. I had the same problem. Replaced switch and it works fine.
     
  9. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

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    Sorry to disagree but there is a brake light fuse. If I'm not mistaken they operate off the same fuse as the dash lights.
     
  10. coutangman

    coutangman Member

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    I just had this problem with one of my Cougars. It turned out being the turn signal switch in the column. It may seem unrelated, but the power runs through the column. If the switch is bad, you will get no power to the brakes. I replaced the brake switch and traced power back to the back, but no brake lights. I replaced the switch and solved the problem.

    Jim
     
  11. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

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    Yes, I have seen signal switches solve several types of problems with the lights over the years.
     
  12. mike75mav

    mike75mav Member

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    Thats what I thought first this happen. Looked in the repair for the location of the fuse, no fuse. The dash lights are tied into the heater, radio etc. The second time it happen on my 70 mav I just replaced the brake switch, didn't waste my time on anything else and it works.
     
  13. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

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    I stand corrected...sorry. :oops: The brake lights are actually wired thru the circuit breaker in the headlight switch. I guess I just had the dash light fuse on my mind. So, if your headlights are not giving you any problems, I would say it would be narrowed down to either the brake light switch or the turn signal switch. Looking at a wiring diagram, the brake light wire does go straight to the signal switch. Try the b/l switch first. If that doesn't fix it you might better start looking for a turn signal switch.
    [​IMG]
     
  14. ryan's ride

    ryan's ride Member

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    Thanks Guys for all your help. My guess is on the brake light switch like you said. I will try to get to it soon. You were right it is hard to get at. A little elbow grease should do it. Right now my car is outside all the time and it has been cold and snowing for two weeks, so I will tackle it in March. The car will not see any driving duty until then anyway. Thenks again you guys are great! I appreciate the support. The print out of the fuse box breakdown is a nice touch. All the best.
    Regards, Ryan
     

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