Brake light problem.

[tgibbins01]

I have a 1991 Explorer with an odd problem. My left rear bake light works sometimes, then it doesn't work. It's just the left side. I have replaced the socket and many bulbs. Does anyone have an idea what could be causing this and/or where to look? I'm tired of my husband complaining about my poor little Ford. And getting pulled over is a pain! All of the rear wires for the drivers side rear go through some sort of box or switch. There is a little button on the bottom of this switch, that when it is pushed, the light will work for a short time, then goes out again. I have seen several other Explorers and Rangers around town with this same issue, and no one has any idea how to fix it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 91-94 section. Did you check the ground wiring for corrosion?

 

[tgibbins01]

Thanx for moving me! No corrosion, but a new twist. The left brake works if you use the right side blinker. Took out the flasher switch thing and all lights worked perfectly. Huh?

 

[Vargas]

Is the "some sort of box or switch" you mentioned located in rear compartment by the jack? That would be the module where the trailer wiring is tied in. May be some damage to the trailer harness behind the rear bumper causing a short circuit and tripping the circuit breaker.

 

[tgibbins01]

There isn't a standard exterior plug for a trailer. The trailer wires are spliced from the other wires and you just throw the plug out the gate. The box is in front of the rear windshield wiper fluid tank. It's about 4 inches long and 2 1/2 inches high with a white button on the bottom of it. all the wires to the rear appear to go through the box. Some one said it was a fuel inertia switch, but I'm not sure what it really is. Since the trailer wires are spliced from the others, can they be removed?

 

[Vargas]

The fuel pump cut-off inertia switch on 91-94 models is on the firewall under the glove compartment.

Must be the controller for the transfer case shift motor you are looking at.

 

[TedJ]

The left brake works if you use the right side blinker.

The multifunction switch has the brake light wiring going through it as well. If you try holding it up a bit or in various positions (but without activating the blinker) does the brake light work?

Also, if any of the trailer wiring is not in good condition you should probably try and fix it... and the box in front of the washer fluid tank is the 4x4 shift control module.

 

[Tony H]

Very common. Lift the directional stalk up just a bit ( you can almost hear a click) , then see if the Brakelight works.

 

[PDH]

Very common. Lift the directional stalk up just a bit ( you can almost hear a click) , then see if the Brakelight works.

I just experienced the same problem with one brake light not working. Thanks to this thread, I quickly determined it was my multifunction (turn signal) switch. Thanks guys.