Brake light

[Motoduc84]

This is an intermittent problem...quite puzzling.

I had no brake lights. Replaced fuses, bulbs, brake switch, etc. They all worked...for a day or so. Then, only the brake light on the back of the cab was functioning. It is still working, several days later. But...nothing from the tail lights.

Any insight? Thanks.

 

[rwenzing]

I would check the large square connector that passes through the cab floor to the frame directly below the driver seat. On 2000~2003 Rangers, all circuits to the rear of the cab are routed through this connector. It can be a problem area because it can get contaminated with water causing all sorts of havoc.

Separate the connector from under the floorpan by removing the center bolt. Look for water, corrosion, damaged pins. Even if you don't find any problems, an occasional glob of dilectric grease inside this connector is good PM because it will help keep the water/salt/dirt out.

If that doesn't do it, trace the harness from that connector to the rear of the truck looking for damage.

Check the bolted ground wire under the carpet/mat under the front of the driver seat. That is the ground point for all rear lamps.

 

[fifthranger]

There is a multi-function switch that got recalled, and I will look for the info. for you.

Quote:
*
Summary:
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.

*
Consequence:
NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

*
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.




http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe...rticle2103467/


http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm Click search and enter this number 11V352000

 

[Motoduc84]

Many thanks...I will check these areas. Curious to know about the recall, too. A fellow at O'Reilly's mentioned this...

 

[rwenzing]

Curious to know about the recall, too. A fellow at O'Reilly's mentioned this...

A faulty Multifunction Switch could be one possibility for your symptoms. Another is the connector to the MFS which may lose contact when the tilt wheel is adjusted in certain positions.

I wouldn't worry about the recall referenced above. It does not apply to your 2001.

 

[Motoduc84]

A faulty Multifunction Switch could be one possibility for your symptoms. Another is the connector to the MFS which may lose contact when the tilt wheel is adjusted in certain positions.


But...wouldn't this affect ALL brake lights? The exterior brake light above the cab window is okay.

 

[fifthranger]

But...wouldn't this affect ALL brake lights? The exterior brake light above the cab window is okay.

Not necessarily since the problem could be intermittent affecting some or all the lights. That is why it is hard to diagnose. That and Ford received several batches of the multifunction switch, so it is hard to determine which batch you were given. Some people may experience problems, others may not. It is just a troubleshooting idea. I find it hard to believe that the recall affects mostly 2011 vehicles (approx. 24,000, but then older vehicles as far back as 02'/03'). Why did it take 8 years to figure out that a supplier could have been distributing bad parts? Either way, all you should have to do is call your local dealer with your V.I.N. and they will be able to tell you if your vehicle is or isn't affected. I still haven't called about my 08' Ranger, and since summer I've had to replace both the third brake light bulb and the left rear turn signal. My Ranger also has 55,000 miles, and I drive a lot. Keep us posted on what happens to your truck. Good luck.

 

[Motoduc84]

Well, I think you folks have nailed it! I checked it again tonight; ALL brake lights come on when the steering wheel is left in highest tilt position. Tilt it down...and only the cab light works! Tilt it back up...all lights work again!

Now...to fix it? The connector to the multi-function switch. Is there a photo available? Parts diagram?

Many thanks!

 

[rwenzing]

Well, I think you folks have nailed it! I checked it again tonight; ALL brake lights come on when the steering wheel is left in highest tilt position. Tilt it down...and only the cab light works! Tilt it back up...all lights work again!

Now...to fix it? The connector to the multi-function switch. Is there a photo available? Parts diagram?

Many thanks!

The Multifunction Switch is the left hand column switch for turn signals, wiper/washer, hi/low beam. There is a short subharness that runs up the left side of the steering column connecting the dash harness to the Multifunction Switch. In 2001 and maybe part of 2002, some Ranger/Explorer/Trac subharness wires are just a little too short and the wire pins can pull back in the connectors enough to cause an intermittent open circuit when forced by the tilting column.

I thought there was a Ford Technical Service Bulletin for this issue but I was not able to find it. I don't remember what the official fix was. Possibly a new part number for a replacement subharness.

If I had that problem, I would either splice in a Motorcraft repair connector or look for a junkyard part. My best guess would be a subharness from a 2003 Ranger because that year is electrically similar to 2001 but does not seem to have the tilt problem.

But...wouldn't this affect ALL brake lights? The exterior brake light above the cab window is okay.

No. The CHMSL is fed directly from the brake switch but the power to the rear brake lamps passes through the Multifunction Switch on the way (shared stop and rear turn signals in 2001).

Why did it take 8 years to figure out that a supplier could have been distributing bad parts?

It didn't. The bad parts were the 2011 Ranger production parts installed at the assembly plant during early 2011 calender year AND the identical repair parts made during the same period. Apparently those repair parts fit Rangers 2004 through 2011.

 

[02TracMan]

Does anyone have a wiring diagram for this issue in an '02 sport trac? I have the same issue but can't be sure where the correct wires go.