i have an 89 ford ranger custom and my driver side tail light works just fine but my passenger doesnt work when i mash the brake the passenger side brake light wont come on. the parking lights work, turn signals, and hazards work but the brake light. ive checked the wires and replaced the socket and still the same problem so either theres something in the wires that im missing or i dont know what else. any hints?

 

When you turn your lights on, make sure your brake lights aren't stating on, try pressing the brake pedal with the lights on and report back.

 

According to the FACTORY wiring diagrams for my 87 ( your 89 is probably the same) the only difference between the right turn signal & brake light is in the multifunction switch. Looks like the switch is bad. I can tell you how to test the 87 (yours is probably the same)

 

ive already done your idea ford freek and as to the switch if your talking about the turn signal switch ive already replaced that a few months ago. ive tried about everything i can think of and nothing seems to be doing the trick. ive checked wires, tested parking lights with brakes, and a bunch of other things so unless my rewiring the brake lights screwed with it thats the last thing i can think of. when i rewired i wired from switch to hot wire and from the other side to where it all ties in together right after it ties in with the trailer light and brake light wires.

 

The multifunction (turn signal) switch connects the turn signal flasher or emergency flasher or stop light switch to the same wire which goes to the right rear bulb. Thats why it looks like the turn signal switch is bad.

If you're sure the switch is good then i dont know what to tell you.

 

Ford changed the design of the multifunction switch beginning with the 89 model. I don't thing what is true for the 87 switch holds for the 89 switch.

 

OOPS, in that case the best thing for alex to do is go to helminc.com & order the ETM/Electrical troubleshooting manual for an 89 Ranger. Best $16.50 he will ever spend on a manual for his truck.

 

Alex, did you test the brake light switch on the brake pedal? Not sure that you mentioned that one. They go bad every now and then.