2002 Explorer Brake Lights Problem

[dozo1]

I am writing here for some help. I am stationed with the military in Germany and I am currently deployed away from home. My wife has recently encountered a problem with the brake lights on our 2002 Explorer. Namely, they come on by themselves or don't turn off. In the last two weeks, my wife has been to the Ford dealer four times to fix this problem. This last time, the mechanic told her that her foot is too big and that she is hitting something with it under that dash that is causing the problem. His solution was to drive with the toes of her feet to avoid the problem!!!!! I'm no mechanic but it sounds like a short circuit in the wiring. If not, it is certainly some other problem. Can anyone tell me what might be the problem and how I might be able to get it fixed without getting a new set of feet? Because the mechanic in question has a no confidence vote with me right now.

 

[gijoecam]

Trade her in.... on a new wife.

No, seriously.... it sounds like the brake pedal position switch may not be working properly. There is a little spring inside there that holds the switch open. It's possible that it's failed, allowing the weight of the pedal to close the switch and activate the lights. It's a $7-$10 part here in the states from any auto parts store. Finding one in Germany shouldn't be too difficult.

Oh, and I'll second that no confidence vote in the mechanic. Feet are too big.... LOL....

-Joe

 

[kf]

brake light

I have an '02 Explorer and the brake light was on almost all the time. I took it to a well known tire store and had the front brakes replaced, they had 50,000 miles of use. The brake light never returned. I can't tell you what the exact problem was but I had a happy ending. I feel for your wife, I lived in Germany for two years and had to deal with mechanics there and it can be frustrating.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I also feel that it is the brake light switch. One way to test this out is the next time you see the brake lights on without anybody stepping on the brake pedal, just unplug the switch. If the brake lights go off, then that is your problem.