Brake Lights not working.

[dpratt]

Hey guys/gals,

I have a 98 Explorer. They brake lights suddenly don't work. I've replaced the rear bulbs but they still don't come on. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

 

[sncwfo99]

Try checking the fuses.

 

[dpratt]

How do I know which fuse?

 

[dpratt]

I guess I should let you know that i dont' have the Owner's manual

 

[draft]

This just happened to Rick. This could either be simple, or rather long. The fuse box is on the drivers side under the hood, I forgot which one though, sorry, hopefully someone with a manual by could toss it your way (or if I can find mine).

Anyways, if that's not the case, you might need to start pulling stuff apart and checking for an active 12V from the fuse to the back of the truck and see where it shorted. Let us know. Also, check for 12V on the wires when you press your brake, that could tell you it's your fuse for sure.

Well, as I wrote this, just found my manual.

Fuse panel next to Gauge bezel:
Location 9 - Brake pedal position switch
Location 10 - Brake pressure switch (and more)
Location 13 - Brake pedal position switch, brake pressure switch

I don't see anything referring to rear brake lamps in the one under the hood. Try those out. I'm not sure if those locations mean anything in reference to the box, but that's what it shows in the manual. Hope this helps.

 

[dpratt]

I'll give it a shot! Thanks!!

 

[still crusin]

I have the same problem and checked the appropriate fuses which all seem to be fine. I'm guessing it might be the brake pressure switch.
Does that switch have to be attached to the brake pedal to work? I just pulled the wiring harness from the plug that's already in there and tried plugging into a new pressure switch w/out actually connecting it to the pedal, but it didn't seem to work.

Is there a way to test the connector that goes to the switch and see if it is getting power?

 

[kelly2]

Brake Wire | lt.green | + | driver kick panel

should be the same color at the brake switch. test with a DMM

 

[budwich]

Actually, the brake pressure switch (if you are referrring to the one on the master cylinder), has nothing to do with the brake lights... or brakes for that matter. It is a "fail safe" system for the cruise control. The "BOO" switch is the switch you need to check... "Brake On/Off" switch.

 

[gijoecam]

Actually, the brake pressure switch (if you are referrring to the one on the master cylinder), has nothing to do with the brake lights... or brakes for that matter. It is a "fail safe" system for the cruise control. The "BOO" switch is the switch you need to check... "Brake On/Off" switch.

Indeed, if all the fuses are good, look at the BOO switch... it mounts to the brake pedal arm, between the pedal and the master cylinder push-rod. It's not uncommon for them to fail with age. Typically the failure of that switch will also cause the brake-shift interlock to not work, but it's hard to tell offhand....

The switch is a $7 part and takes 5 minutes to swap out, no tools necessary. Un-plug it, pull the hitch pin, and pop it off.

-Joe

 

[tonyd12345]

I had that problem after I put an EB switch in my XLT, and got a ticket. check all your connections on your headlight switch.

 

[Ranger Al]

When everything checked out good, 9 out of 10 the BOO switch is the problem. Every Ford I've owned always have to replace the BOO switch. Your local auto parts store sell it cheap. Stealership charged me something like $20 for it when I first had to do it. $7 is a good price for something that take a few minutes to replace.

 

[kubben]

Where is the BOO switch exactly? Is it under the dash near the pedals or in the engine compartment?

 

[kelly2]

the brake switch at the pedal