No brake lights
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
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No brake lights
Hey folks - I need some help. I have no brake lights on my 2000 F150 4x4. The third brake light works on the cab, but not the rear. Any idea which fuse controls the rear brake lights? I would have thought if a fuse was blown, that the third light would not work - but I could be wrong.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Minneapolis, MN
No brake lights
The brake light wiring should split after the brake light switch (at the pedal) with one side of the split going to the third light and the other side going to the multifunction switch (aka the turn signal switch). If the third light lights, the fuse and the brake light switch should be good.
Do the four way flashers work? If so, that should tell you that the wiring and the bulbs are good.
Do the four way flashers work? If so, that should tell you that the wiring and the bulbs are good.
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No brake lights
Hey Macquyver - Your reply is interesting. I just had the turn singal switch replaced about two weeks ago. This problem could have started then and I wouild not have known it. The four way flashers work just fine.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
No brake lights
The F150 has had problems with tight fitting wiring looms at the multifunction switch. The tech who replaced your multifunction switch may not have been looking for it, but often the pin retainers in the hard shell connector break allowing the pins to not seat fully thus preventing some components of the switch not to work. This requires replacing the hard shell connector and adjusting the harness a bit to give more slack and reduce tension at the connector. There is a service message on this and I have replaced at least 75 of these hard shell connectors for that problem. I have also seen a number of the multifunction switches replaced by mistake by technicians who are unaware or who simply miss diagnosed the problem. One hint is that the turn signals will often not work if the steering wheel is tilted down but it could affect any one of the circuits passing thru that connector including the brake lamps.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Hungry Horse, Mt
No brake lights
HomerWinzlow Could this multifunction switch have anything to do with the turn signals and brakes not working on the trailer when plugged? If so, where is that switch at? Thanx. I still haven't solved the problem with my turn signals and brake lights no t working on the trailer!
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No brake lights
HomerWinzlow - I just got around to pulling the plastic off of the steering column and I think you nailed it. From what I can see it looks like somebody tried to duck-tape the retainer together! -- nice. I do have one more question so I can complete the fix. How do I get the plastic ignition cover off of the ignition switch so I can get the top plastic cover off of the steering column? Thanks!
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
No brake lights
You will have to remove the lock cylinder itself. There is a small hole at the bottom side of the lock cylinder tube, turn the ignition switch to the run position, and with a small tool pushup through that hole to release the lock cylinder latching pin and pull out the lock cylinder. Then you can remove the upper shroud.
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No brake lights
HomerWinzlow - You are the man. Sure enough - I pulled the shroud off and there was the harness just slightly out of seat. I slid it back in and wamo - rear break lights. I had it apart and back together within in 30 minutes - now that is a first. Would you know the part number for the harness so I can fix the problem for good - I can get by until the lights stop working agin. Thank you very much - If I lived in Oklahoma I would buy out a beer or what ever you like to drink. BTW - my last name is Homer - kind of crazy isn't it?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
No brake lights
Hehe glad you got it figured out. Unfortunately I dont have the part number and Im currently on vacation from the shop, re-roofing my house. Just ask for the hardshell pigtail connector for the multifunction switch and they should know what you need. You can order the connector by itself from Ford, or sometimes they will have an aftermarket wiring pigtail in stock as well.
My last name is Crawford :-)
My last name is Crawford :-)
No brake lights
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
No brake lights
I dont know where you guys go for service.. sheesh.. maybe Im cheating myself. We get between 45.00 to 85.00 for the switch and half hour diag, and .half hour to put it on. Thats about 145.00 max.