Buffalosports
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- March 9, 2008
- Messages
- 504
- Reaction score
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- City, State
- Buffalo, New York
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1998 Sport - 4WD
For the past few days I have been experiencing problems with my brakelights coming on when the peddle is pushed. After doing some research I found that the most likely culprit was the stoplight switch which is mounted on the brake peddle. This switch is a very common problem in Ford's. The part was $10 at AutoZone. This write-up is for a 2nd generation but I am sure it is similar on other years.
How it works:
The switch is connected to the peddle with a clip. Also attached to the peddle, at the same spot, is the brake booster. When you press the peddle, the switch is pushed apon by the booster. This connects the circuit making the lights turn on.
My symptoms:
- Brakelights only turned on about 1/2 the time
- Either none of the three lights worked or all three of them work
- Later, they worked when the peddle was to the floor but not if slighty pushed in.
How to change switch.
First begin my taking off the hood release handle. This is done by simply taking out two 7mm bolts located under the handle.
Next Take off the vynel piece located under the steering wheel. This is done my simply backing out two 7mm bolts on the bottom left and right. Now starting from the bottom, pull towards you and the vynel should begin to peel back until completely disconnected. You should now see a metal panel.
Switching to a 8mm socket, take out all four bolts that are holding that metal piece in. After that is completely out, you should be able to see all of the wires and components of the bottom of the dash.
Now locate the switch which is located near the top of the brake peddle. You should see the booster pushrod connected at the same spot. (IMPORTANT)MY SUGGESTION, is to take close note to how the parts are assembled. Maybe even take a few close-up pictures to remind yourself later. I learned the hard way when doing this.
Next begin my taking out the clip. This can be done with a needle nose pliers or screwdriver. Once this is out, pull off the switch. With this switch, will come a nylon washer and the pushrod (obvisouly this will stay attached to car). Allow switch to hang to floor.
Disconnect wires to switch by inserting a flat screwdriver into the side with orange tabs. This should go between the orange and side of switch. Push towards the center of your body and out towards you. The harness should come out VERY easy, at this point. It should just slide. Your old switch is now out and you are halfway there!!!
The most important step, is to obvisouly make sure it goes back together correctly. First start by sliding the pushrod onto the peddle. Next take the washer and slip it on. The thinner end should slide into the hole of the pushrod. Now take and clip the switch onto pin and slide the other end through the hole. This can be a little tricky but work with it. The clip end takes a decent amount of preasure to push on. Push the entire switch to the right, until you can see the small hole for the green clip. Push clip through hole.
Lastly, put all metal, trim, and handle back on truck. This is done by reversing what was stated previously.
The overall process took me a 1/2 hour. The absolute hardest part was trying to remember how the switch and pushrod reattached to the peddle. Very simple to do, I would recommand NOT going to the dealer. They will charge you a boat load for something anyone could do.
How it works:
The switch is connected to the peddle with a clip. Also attached to the peddle, at the same spot, is the brake booster. When you press the peddle, the switch is pushed apon by the booster. This connects the circuit making the lights turn on.
My symptoms:
- Brakelights only turned on about 1/2 the time
- Either none of the three lights worked or all three of them work
- Later, they worked when the peddle was to the floor but not if slighty pushed in.
How to change switch.
First begin my taking off the hood release handle. This is done by simply taking out two 7mm bolts located under the handle.
Next Take off the vynel piece located under the steering wheel. This is done my simply backing out two 7mm bolts on the bottom left and right. Now starting from the bottom, pull towards you and the vynel should begin to peel back until completely disconnected. You should now see a metal panel.
Switching to a 8mm socket, take out all four bolts that are holding that metal piece in. After that is completely out, you should be able to see all of the wires and components of the bottom of the dash.
Now locate the switch which is located near the top of the brake peddle. You should see the booster pushrod connected at the same spot. (IMPORTANT)MY SUGGESTION, is to take close note to how the parts are assembled. Maybe even take a few close-up pictures to remind yourself later. I learned the hard way when doing this.
Next begin my taking out the clip. This can be done with a needle nose pliers or screwdriver. Once this is out, pull off the switch. With this switch, will come a nylon washer and the pushrod (obvisouly this will stay attached to car). Allow switch to hang to floor.
Disconnect wires to switch by inserting a flat screwdriver into the side with orange tabs. This should go between the orange and side of switch. Push towards the center of your body and out towards you. The harness should come out VERY easy, at this point. It should just slide. Your old switch is now out and you are halfway there!!!
The most important step, is to obvisouly make sure it goes back together correctly. First start by sliding the pushrod onto the peddle. Next take the washer and slip it on. The thinner end should slide into the hole of the pushrod. Now take and clip the switch onto pin and slide the other end through the hole. This can be a little tricky but work with it. The clip end takes a decent amount of preasure to push on. Push the entire switch to the right, until you can see the small hole for the green clip. Push clip through hole.
Lastly, put all metal, trim, and handle back on truck. This is done by reversing what was stated previously.
The overall process took me a 1/2 hour. The absolute hardest part was trying to remember how the switch and pushrod reattached to the peddle. Very simple to do, I would recommand NOT going to the dealer. They will charge you a boat load for something anyone could do.
