Brake lights will not work

[Jasone352]

Hey guys, I would like to start off by saying this site is amazing and what you all do here to help people like me is great. I have used this site as a reference a few times in the past to help with some issues I have had. However this time I felt it was necessary to register with the site and post my own question.

So here goes. I have seen a few other threads about people with similar issues but wanted to get a fresh, updated opinion on what to do. My rear brake lights will not work. It's not the bulbs since there's only one for the brake and the turn signal, and both left And right blinkers work. Also when I turn on the hazards all the lights work except my front left blinker. I checked all the fuses under the driver console and thy are good. I'm stumped and need help, another post suggested it could be the Mfs but I want to be sure that it's the culprit before I start throwing parts at this and end up wasting money. Thanks I appreciate any advice.

 

[FordFool2]

There are different wiring diagrams for 2002's. There are early production, late production w/o Advance Trac and late production w/ Advance Trac.

While not stated, I'll assume the high mounted stop lamp does not work either.

Make sure you checked fuse 23 under the dash, it feeds the brake lights.

If you have a meter, check for 12 Volts into brake switch (mounted towards top of brake pedal). Light Green/Red wire in is hot all times. The tan/black is hot when pedal is pushed.


If non-Advance Trac, the high mounted stop lamp is powered directly from brake pedal switch. If fuse good and pedal switch good, then you should have high mount light without going through multi-function switch.

If Advance Trak, then pedal switch powers the Stop Lamp Relay (under hood in battery fuse panel). That in turn feeds the Brake Pedal Relay (also in the battery fuse panel). If the Stop Lamp Relay is bad, then no brake light anywhere. If the Brake Pedal Relay is bad, then you keep the high mount stop lamp but no rear lower brake lights.

This should help you pinpoint your problem.

 

[Jasone352]

I'm not sure if it is early or late production and I don't think it's an advance track. I did forget to mention that the rear high mounted brake light does work, just not the rear left and right brake lights. I don't have a meter but I guess now would be a good time to get one so I can test that brake switch.

 

[FordFool2]

There should be an emblem on the rear lift gate if the vehicle has the Advance Trak stability control. There should be a button the center console to turn it off also.

The high mount brake light proves the fuse is good and brake pedal switch is good. If yours is non-Advance Trak, then the problem is most likely in the multi-function switch. It's the only thing between the brake pedal switch and the lower rear brake lights.

 

[Limited02]

I don't believe '02-03 Explorers had RSC. I think it was an option on '04s and came standard on '05s.

 

[BigRondo]

If you do decide to change the Multifunction Switch, Here is the how to: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=279556

Good luck with the fix!

 

[Jasone352]

Yeah I think I am going to heed everyones opinion and just replace the MFS. I called a local parts dealer and the price for one was around $120. Is this something that is better purchased from the dealership directly? Or can I just shop around to find the best price.

Yeah Rondo, I already checked out that write up on replacing the MFS to get an idea of what I am getting into. It doesn't seem too difficult and I have all the necessary tools. Great write up too by the way. I am looking forward to saving myself some money and spending a little one-on-one time with my explorer. (and a few adult beverages of course)

Thanks again for all the help everyone, I really appreciate it! :-D

 

[BigRondo]

Yeah I think I am going to heed everyones opinion and just replace the MFS. I called a local parts dealer and the price for one was around $120. Is this something that is better purchased from the dealership directly? Or can I just shop around to find the best price.

Yeah Rondo, I already checked out that write up on replacing the MFS to get an idea of what I am getting into. It doesn't seem too difficult and I have all the necessary tools. Great write up too by the way. I am looking forward to saving myself some money and spending a little one-on-one time with my explorer. (and a few adult beverages of course)

Thanks again for all the help everyone, I really appreciate it! :-D

It's not that difficult at all. Adult beverages will make it even easier.

I got mine from www.silverstatefordparts.com for $78.

There are vendors here that give members a discount. Click on the vendor for more info: Rock Auto & Tousley Ford

There may be other vendors but I can't think of them right now.

Good luck with the fix & feel free to ask any questions you may have. :biggthump

 

[FordFool2]

I located the switch for $149 list, $90 your cost plus shipping.

http://www.tousleyfordparts.com/parts/2002/FORD/EXPLORER/?siteid=214771&vehicleid=1377660&section=STEERING%20COLUMN&group=STEERING%20COLUMN&subgroup=SHROUD%2C%20SWITCHES%20%26%20LEVERS&component=Combo%20switch

 

[BigRondo]

I located the switch for $149 list, $90 your cost plus shipping.

http://www.tousleyfordparts.com/parts/2002/FORD/EXPLORER/?siteid=214771&vehicleid=1377660&section=STEERING%20COLUMN&group=STEERING%20COLUMN&subgroup=SHROUD%2C%20SWITCHES%20%26%20LEVERS&component=Combo%20switch

How much for the shipping? Like I said, mine was $78 + $12.95 shipping from SilverState.

 

[Jasone352]

I have another question for everyone. A friend informed me i could possibly have a bad ground, and that is what could be causing my brake lights to not work.. Is this worth getting into because I would rather not buy a 90 dollar part if I don't have to.

If so any idea where they are grounded to? I tried finding a schematic online, but no luck there... I am about to go take a look and see If i can find it.

Thanks

 

[FordFool2]

You have already proven that the fuse is good, the brake switch is functional, and the bulbs are good by use of the turn signals. This proves there is no ground issue.

This switch gets a lot of use and no wonder there is a sticky thread on how to replace.

If you have a meter and want to be absolutely sure, then check the LT GRN wire to the multifunction switch. Should be 12 V when brake pedal pushed. At same time, expect 12 V back out of the switch on Dk BLU/White (left rear) and BRN/Yellow (right rear). If not, then something in switch is preventing the brake signal from reaching bulb circuits.

 

[Jasone352]

Alright thanks. I thought it was worth asking if it could possible save me some money. I guess I'll order that part when I get back from vaca next week.

 

[BigRondo]

Check your PM.