Brake lights out/ 3rd light flashing

[D.J. Ford]

Hello, my name is DJ, its my first time on here. Just have a few questions regarding my 1998 Explorer 5.0 V8 AWD. Just recently i purchased the vehicle from a family friend which i got a very good deal...with only 160k, i drove it away for $900.00. The truck is flawless, immaculate body no dings, rust and interior perfect. But i ran into a few problems, one there is a loud ticking under the hood. Many ppl tell me its either a lifter knocking, or exhaust manifold leak...if it helps i replaced the timing chain thinking this would fix my problem, which it didnt. I've read in previous threads that it could be my egr valve? And my "check engine" light is always on. Another problem is that while driving my brake lights do not come on, only my 3rd light on top does, how can i fix this? Along with the 3rd brake light, ive noticed that when the truck is off keys out of ignition, the light flashes at various times. I greatly appreciate any suggestions on what i should do...thankyou for your time.

DJ.

 

[gold_expl]

I can help a little..
When I first bought my 2001 sport I had the same brake problem, only the third brake light came on, so I tried my best to fix it, tried the little switch up near the brake, nope. the problem for me was (sorry, it's been a while) Either the hazard switch or the turn signal switch, I am fairly certain it is the turn signal switch though. I ended up just taking it to goodyear because I suck at doing car stuff but I don't recommend doing what I did because they charged $500, about $200 more than the switch itself costs.
Also you might want to check for some codes about that check engine light.
Hope I could help.

 

[D.J. Ford]

idk what is exactly making the ticking noise, but i checked my exhaust manifold on the drivers side closest to the front, two bolts have come loose, is this possibly the source of my ticking noises? and ya i checked my brake lights, but still no clue, i checked fuses and there good, idk what to do.

 

[TheJackal]

Either the hazard switch or the turn signal switch, I am fairly certain it is the turn signal switch though. I ended up just taking it to goodyear because I suck at doing car stuff but I don't recommend doing what I did because they charged $500, about $200 more than the switch itself costs.

I don't know about the 98 but I know on my 99, the hazard flasher and turn signal switch is the same piece (the Multi-Function Switch). These do seem to wear out after a while and it's pretty easy to replace. The part itself is $65 from Advance Auto.

 

[D.J. Ford]

hey i fixed the problem, both of my brake light housings were messed up, went to the local junkyard and replaced them, thanks for the tips tho. but still havin problems with the engine having a tickin noise, some say it could be exhaust leak due to my "check engine" light on, or some say a lifter is knockin, i have no clue.

 

[budwich]

As mentioned, get the codes read and odds are they will give you and us a clue as to your potential problem.... that's what the "check engine" light is for ... your "first clue".... from there the resulting codes will give you more clues so that you won't be "clueless" any more...