2002 Ford Explorer XLT, no brakes lights at all. Turning signals work.

[kdoggy]

Neither the left, right or top center brake light currently works on my 2002 XLT.

I had someone follow me into Wal-Mart tonight to let me know I had no brake lights, but my turning signals worked.

I have no idea how long I've been without brake lights but I know something stopped working a couple months ago because when I start my SUV, I can NOT put it into reverse or drive without putting a key, flat head screw driver or something into that gear shift bypass slot on the under side of the steering column.

No matter how hard I try to move the shifter, it will NOT come out of park even with my foot on the brake unless I do that. I figured, no big deal and I just keep a small screw drivers in my center console.

Now I'm wondering if this means I've had no brake lights ALL this time.

I checked for a fuse but find nothing related to this. Does anyone know what the issue is?

 

[XLT99]

Dunno if this related to the ****ing issue or not, or if its a different setup with the third gens, but both my dad and me have 2nd gens, and had the same brake light issue. If you look under the dash up along the brake pedal 'arm' i guess you could call it, there with be a little switch resting up against the arm (not all that far up, you should see it without having to disassemble anything, but again, could be different). When you push the brake pedal, it moves away from the switch, which then sends power to the brake lights. Both of ours at one point had shifted, so when wed hit the brakes, none of the lights would light up. Iirc, i think i just kinda rigged mine with some zip ties or something and didnt have any issues after that.

 

[XLT99]

Btw, when we had that brake pedal switch acting up, neither of us had an issue with the shifter

 

[kdoggy]

I think they might be related on the 2002. I know the reason I have to use the bypass is because some "switch" has gone out. I wonder if that is the same switch that controls the brake lights.

If it is, I've been without brake lights for the better part of a year or so lol.

Was hoping to confirm before I shell out the cash.

 

[Styx]

Yes I would think it's your brake light switch. This switch also controls the shift interlock. It is the switch under the dash attached to the brake pedal bracket.
It is either damaged, out of adjustment, or disconnected...

Cheers R...

 

[kdoggy]

Yes I would think it's your brake light switch. This switch also controls the shift interlock. It is the switch under the dash attached to the brake pedal bracket.
It is either damaged, out of adjustment, or disconnected...

Cheers R...

Apparently out of adjustment and loose. I looked up there, saw it and tried to wiggle it, it's loose.

Brake lights started to work right after I messed with it. Going to check it again tomorrow, hopefully it holds out til I get home from work when I will have a chance to re-tighten it.

Damn, this means I've had no brake lights for months!

Thanks!

 

[BigRondo]

I agree that it sounds like a bad brake light switch. It is located near the top of the brake pedal under the dash area.

You might be able to fix it without replacing it!

When my brake lights stayed on, I removed the switch, sanded down the contacts (due to buildup from arcing), and lubed the plunger. It has been working great ever since.

Check out this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=263098

The whole thing is a great read. My experience starts at post #20 and there are good pics by azdevildog0311.

If you do decide to replace it instead of repairing it, the replacement switch from Ford is different and comes with a wiring harness so it's not a simple plug and play option. I've read that the switch for the Windstar is a direct replacement.

Hope I didn't confuse you too much.

Good luck.