No 4x4, no brake lights, can not shift out of park...

[CPBSURVEY]

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer xlt. My 4x4 isn't working so I asked my buddy that has a 2003 Explorer if I could switch his 4x4 control module out with mine to see if that is the problem. When we did this, I think it blew a fuse or something because now I have no brake lights and I can not shift out of park. Also it didn't fix the 4x4 and ended up wrecking my buddies 4x4 control module. If someone could help please and also tell me what fuse or relay to check for the brake lights. The owners manual doesn't list anything in the fuses for brake lights.

 

[TechGuru]

Brake lights should be Fuse 23 under the dash.

 

[gtyates]

My guess is it is the brake switch on the brake pedal inside the cab. I had this happen on our '04 Explorer. There are videos on how to take it apart and clean the connections. I had the no brake lights and no shift from park symptom. I did not try my 4x4 as it was July and not needed..

 

[JW]

+1 for the brake pedal switch. My 2004 does this a lot.

 

[swshawaii]

Cleaning brake light switch.

 

[TechGuru]

@gtyates @JW @swshawaii

You do realize the OP had this problem start right after swapping the 4x4 module right? I find it very unlikely that the brake light switch would decide to quit right at this time of all times to quit. The 4x4 module is connected to the brake light line and if shorted in the 4x4 module would blow the fuse...

 

[swshawaii]

Thanks for the info. Possible the brake pedal position (BPP) switch was dislodged when replacing the 4x4 module?

Just asking because I'm RWD, and have no idea where that module is located.

 

[TechGuru]

Thanks for the info. Possible the brake pedal position (BPP) switch was dislodged when replacing the 4x4 module?

Just asking because I'm RWD, and have no idea where that module is located.

Behind the glove compartment...

 

[gtyates]

The brake pedal switch I referenced is actually on the brake pedal. It is on top of the pedal. You can't miss it. Mine went bad while on vacation, of course...

Techguru, I did not catch that this happened after he replaced the module. I think both of us could be correct in that he could have blown a fuse and it could be that stupid switch on the brake pedal.. I was just putting the no brake lights and no shift from park together and I had experienced this exact issue and it was the brake pedal switch.