My brake lights won't shut off. What can I do?

[Palf1572]

The car is shut off, the keys are out but the brake lights stay on, any advice?

 

[waskly]

disconnect the brake switch?

 

[OneLever]

There is a switch down near the pedal that is activated when the pedal is pressed. Look down there for it and see if it has a problem. You need to get it fixed somehow. You can't just disconnect it because your brake lights won't work which is both dangerous and illegal. You can't leave it broken because it will drain your battery by leaving the brake lights on.

 

[sean99]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=268949&highlight=brake+switch

 

[swetrid]

Needs a brake light switch, ford has updated switch with new wiring harness.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 2002-2005 section. Unplug the switch, then check to see if the lights turned off. If so, then test the switch with a continuity tester. It should turn on & off when you press it, and not be constantly on. If the switch appears to work, then reinstall it, and test it in place. The switch might have an intermittent short or might be out of alignment.

 

[mike75785]

I'm having the same problem

I have disconnected the brake light switch and the lights stay on. Where is the most likely place for a short?

The car is shut off, the keys are out but the brake lights stay on, any advice?

 

[FordFool2]

If the high mounted brake light (above liftgate) is also on then bad IVD Stop Lamp Relay in the Battery Junction Box.

If only the the lower brake lights on, then possible bad Brake Pedal Relay also in Battery Junction Box.

Both of these relays are plug and play. Try pullying one at a time to see if the brake lights go out.