Brake light problems

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Mar 25, 2003 | 06:40 PM

ejacques

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Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 7

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From: Brownstown, MI

Brake light problems

just found out on the way home from work that my brake lights and turn signals are not working on my 98 F150. The cab light indicator works fine as does the <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/"><a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">parking light</a></a>s. I checked the fuse panel under the dash and the fuse (#18) is fine. I swaped it out to be sure and it is okay.

I went to Autozone and they had no clue other than to suggest my bulbs burnt out and that one bulb out kills the other one. I used to be a pretty good mechanic and know that the brake lights are independent of each other. At least they used to be when I did more work on cars back in the 80's.

There is a turn signal relay the is suspect since I get no noise at all and no indication.

I'm stuck not knowing what to check next. Any help would be apreciated.

- ejacques
Brownstown, MI

Mar 25, 2003 | 07:43 PM

Franklin2

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Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,971

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From: Virginia

Brake light problems

You guys with these late model trucks leave me stumped, because I have no later model info or diagrams. But if it's wired like the older trucks, the brake lights and the turn signals both go through the turn-signal switch.

Mar 26, 2003 | 02:59 AM

ejacques

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Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 7

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From: Brownstown, MI

Brake light problems

From what I have seen in this forum the multi-function switch seems to be the common culprit. I'm going to check this afer work tonight. I recent;y had my airbag stolen and the dealer replaced it. Got me thinking they might have mucked something up.

I'll reply back once I find out.

The real bad thing is I have to take the wife's 91 Chevy Cavalier to work today. I'll just sit low in the seat.

Thanks

-ejacques

Mar 26, 2003 | 10:48 AM

70fordguy

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Joined: Feb 2003

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Brake light problems

You know, now that I think about it, I have had both brake light elements out at the same time.

Mar 26, 2003 | 12:09 PM

Karic

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 772

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From: Victoria Canada

Brake light problems

If you've recently had the dealer's fingers in there I'd go back to them first. Seems likely that it's something they may have or have not done.

You don't want that bag going off in your face while you're messin' around in there.

Rick

Mar 26, 2003 | 05:21 PM

ejacques

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Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Brownstown, MI

Brake light problems

Good advice Rick.

My wife actually suggested that too. The work they did has a one year warranty so why not. Either way if there is a chance I could set the airbag off it's not worth it since it would cost me a lot more to replace it.

I'll post what happens.

Thanks

-ejacques

Mar 28, 2003 | 01:19 PM

steve83

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,987

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From: Memphis, TN

Brake light problems

The airbag can't go off unless there's a major impact while the key is on, or you just jump 12V across both the impact sensors. Basically, you're safe. Plus, the first thing you unhook when you take the steering wheel off is the the airbag, which makes it absolutely safe.

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Mar 29, 2003 | 07:04 AM

ejacques

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Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Brownstown, MI

Brake light problems

Well on the way to the dealer I stopped at the end of the driveway and just for the heck of it I grabbed the base of the turn signal arm and put some pressure on it. You guessed it the lights came on and everything is working. So looks like the multi-function switch is the problem. I did check on taking off the airbag and your right steve83, not a big deal. I should have known that since when it was stolen I had a chance to see how it went it (or should I say came out) and it’s not much. The entire things is pretty self-contained with two wired connectors and two machine screws that hold it from the back.

Anyway, I’ll probably procrastinate for a little while to get it done but I do want to thank everyone for their advice. This is a great forum. I will definitely come back and suggest it to other Ford owners.

Thanks again
-ejacques