DESPERATE!! Brake Lights NOT WORKING!!
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DESPERATE!! Brake Lights NOT WORKING!!
****1996 Ford Ranger 2X2--The DINO-mobile!!****
The brake lights do not want to work and I can't find the problem. Even the Chilton's manual leaves me in the dust.
I have done the "obvious"...
*Changed the bulbs (twice)
*Installed new fuses
*Replaced the brake light switch on the pedal
*Checked and cleaned all connections I can find
*Traced and tested wiring as far as I can see
Gee, you would think one of these would have fixed it. Not my luck apparently. AAARRGH!!
Now, I am literally DESPERATE for help! I have been pulled over twice for this--at gunpoint yesterday because I hadn't followed up on the first ticket.
The tail lights work fine but I believe only one turn signal operates.
I HAVE determined that there seems to be no power from the fuse box to the brake light switch (on the pedal). All of the wiring is intact and appears to be functional. There is power to/through the turn signal switch.
I want to ask the simple "Where does the power come from?" and think I can locate the problem with that information but seeing how things have gone so far, most likely, that tidbit won't get me where I hope. Therefore, I need some straight-up big-time PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. PLEASE!!!
Thank You in advance!! I have to admit, I have had a blast researching this on the internet (even though I haven't located the info needed) and finding all of the Ranger forums. I will be back!!
The brake lights do not want to work and I can't find the problem. Even the Chilton's manual leaves me in the dust.I have done the "obvious"...
*Changed the bulbs (twice)
*Installed new fuses
*Replaced the brake light switch on the pedal
*Checked and cleaned all connections I can find
*Traced and tested wiring as far as I can see
Gee, you would think one of these would have fixed it. Not my luck apparently. AAARRGH!!
Now, I am literally DESPERATE for help! I have been pulled over twice for this--at gunpoint yesterday because I hadn't followed up on the first ticket.
The tail lights work fine but I believe only one turn signal operates.
I HAVE determined that there seems to be no power from the fuse box to the brake light switch (on the pedal). All of the wiring is intact and appears to be functional. There is power to/through the turn signal switch.
I want to ask the simple "Where does the power come from?" and think I can locate the problem with that information but seeing how things have gone so far, most likely, that tidbit won't get me where I hope. Therefore, I need some straight-up big-time PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. PLEASE!!!
Thank You in advance!! I have to admit, I have had a blast researching this on the internet (even though I haven't located the info needed) and finding all of the Ranger forums. I will be back!!
Last edited by Ken00; Nov 7, 2005 at 08:23 PM.
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From: oxon hill, MD U.S.A
did you test to see if there grounded i had the same problem with my 82 f150 and the grounding was the problem and the power is hot from the fuse box then only applied when the brake switch is pushed in.
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I pushed the brake switch in when checking the power and still no dice.
Can you tell me the best way to check the grounding thoroughly? Where to start etc.
I really appreciate the help (and your quick response). I dread having to take it to a shop.
Can you tell me the best way to check the grounding thoroughly? Where to start etc.
I really appreciate the help (and your quick response). I dread having to take it to a shop.
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From: oxon hill, MD U.S.A
my father took a sinder block and put it on the brake and he played around with the lights i did the same and i also replaced the trailer light dohicky under the truck which sends the signals to the trailer when towing one on the 84 it was removable i dont know about an 96
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I don't know about the brake light switch on the Rangers, as I haven't had to replace mine (but I think I shall soon as I am having problems of my own), but I know my dad's '92 GMC has an adjustable brake light switch. You tell it when you want the lights to come on and go off. Dunno if it is like that on your Ranger, just throwing out a suggestion. Hope it helps and you get your problem solved!
Zach
Zach
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
Does your wiring diagram show that the emergency flashers and brake lights use the same bulbs?
Does the wiring diagram show flashers & brake lights BOTH wired thru the turn signal switch?
Do your emergency flashers work?
Does the wiring diagram show flashers & brake lights BOTH wired thru the turn signal switch?
Do your emergency flashers work?
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
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I usually approach problems like this with a meter and a collection of test leads. I try to make the problem area smaller by using the test leads to define the problem area:
Power to stop switch will tell you which direction to go. If power is present at switch, see if the switch passes it, test continuity to stop bulb and through bulb to ground.
If power is not present at stop switch, check backward to fuse and power source. You are going to find an "open" some where. Good luck.
Dono
Power to stop switch will tell you which direction to go. If power is present at switch, see if the switch passes it, test continuity to stop bulb and through bulb to ground.
If power is not present at stop switch, check backward to fuse and power source. You are going to find an "open" some where. Good luck.
Dono
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Laughing Gas
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First I'd get the proper Ford EVTM for your truck. I haven't seen many aftermarket manuals that have the proper wiring diagrams for each specific model year. Many try to lump several years worth of vehicles together and inevitably omit something or contains other inaccuracies.
Since you seem to be getting power to the fuse block, I suspect that the issue is somewhere in a connector. Either in the fuse block itself or in the wiring harness.
Since you seem to be getting power to the fuse block, I suspect that the issue is somewhere in a connector. Either in the fuse block itself or in the wiring harness.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
Like Bart sez, you need the EVTM for a 96 Ranger.
Since I like to make electrical repairs the EASY way, I have the EVTM for my 87 Ranger & for my 95 Taurus.
For repairing any type of electrical problems on your Ranger this will be the best 30 bucks you can spend.
Since I like to make electrical repairs the EASY way, I have the EVTM for my 87 Ranger & for my 95 Taurus.
For repairing any type of electrical problems on your Ranger this will be the best 30 bucks you can spend.
