HIT THE BRAKES!!!!!

[Mr. MuD]

OK...Tonight I went to my friends house and I noticed how my brakes lights didnt get brighter when I hit the brakes. Dont ask me how I noticed but I did....So I told my friend to push the brakes when I got to his house. The normal lights work...but the tail light (near the roof of the X) and the Stop lamps dont come on when the break is applied.

We looked through every fuse and that wasnt it. Recently I installed some fog lights, and a while back I had a alarm system/keyless entry installed by Best Buy. I cant recall if they worked or not after i got the alarm system installed...I never really payed any attention.

Is there anyone out there who might know what the problem is? I would really appreciate any input.

And should I go back to Best Buy and say that my break lights dont work after you installed my alarm system...even though this was probably 4 months ago



Well thanks again!

Mud

 

[Mr. MuD]

lol... man I am ill-lit-er-it, and horrible at english, jus thought I would add that :-/

 

[mrboyle]

It sounds like the brake light switch died. The switch is located on the brake pedal up under the dash. I've replaced so many different switches on so many different cars I can't remember exactly how the switch is attached on the Explorer but the switch would be the first thing I would test.

 

[THK]

You might check the wires to the brake light switch.
Sometimes the harness is secured under the dash and the wires break at the connector because they are pulled every time the pedal is depressed.
Scott

 

[2mrchio]

Agreed

Let me add an anecdote. Before I had my 93 Ex, I had a Bronco II that had the same problem. As I went to a dealer to get a replacement, the parts guy told me it was a commonly replaced part on the BII. Not sure if that applies to any other vehicle...

 

[Goober]

I always start with the simple things first. Since the brake lights are only held on by 2 screws, unscrew them and look at the bulbs. There are two filaments. One is for the parking lights, the other is the brake lights. If they look fine, then check the stoplight switch/wires.

Here's an amusing story:
I bought a Cavalier RS(I was young, first new car, cheap insurance,..yadda, yadda,..) Drove it home, checked everything out, all good. Got in to go to the store later that night. Flip on the headlights, no dashlight! Here I start cursing chevy, flaming them and such. Go back to the dealership the next day, full head of steam. Turns out the dimmer switch was turned all the way down. Lesson leaned, check the simple things first. At least it's amusing now.

 

[Mr. MuD]

lol Goober...Well thanks a lot for your helps guys, ill try and find that switch...and let ya know.

Mud