No brake lights!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 139
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From: Wilmington/Custer Park IL
No brake lights!
I have a 1997 Ford Exployer Limited with no brake lights. But the center brake light works fine. The warning systems tells me that the brake lamps don't work. One bulb was bad and I replaced both of them. still no brake lights except for the center one. I replaced the fuse also. Got an ideas? Ron
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Does it have (or could it have had) a "spliced-in" wire harness for towing? I've seen all manner of duct-tape and baling wire "installs" on these things cause problems... get a schematic and try applying 12V direct to the wire that feeds the brake circuit.. sounds like an open somewhere, if you're not getting blown fuses. Look underneath the truck in the back for some "Jethro-style" wiring mods... Do the taillights work at all? If so, I'd really be suspicious of damaged wiring... I also suppose the GEM module that sets off the warning light could be acting up, bypass that and see what happens.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
Heres how it's wired: Interior fuse 13 is wired to the brake light switch.
Brake light switch is wired to a splice
One wire from the splice is wired to the center brakelight
Another wire from the splice connects to the lamps out module/LOM
From there it's wired to the outer brake lights.
Between the LOM & the brake lights the "remote anti theft personality module/RAP" is spliced into the circuit.
The RAP module is what flashes the brake lights when the keyless entry remote is used.
Since the center brakelight is working the brakelight switch is not the problem.
Brake light switch is wired to a splice
One wire from the splice is wired to the center brakelight
Another wire from the splice connects to the lamps out module/LOM
From there it's wired to the outer brake lights.
Between the LOM & the brake lights the "remote anti theft personality module/RAP" is spliced into the circuit.
The RAP module is what flashes the brake lights when the keyless entry remote is used.
Since the center brakelight is working the brakelight switch is not the problem.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington/Custer Park IL
The running lights work fine as do the turn signals and E flashers. There is no bogus wiring ,it is all stock. The factory trailer harness would not work right and was getting hot when I hooked up my small trailer. Which I only could get the running lights working. I'am going to buy a new trailer harness. Which you remove a cap and plug in to it. No spicing at all. I keep getting a brake lamps out message and I replaced both of them already. My low beam headlights only work on one side until the inside of the cab gets warm then both come on. I know that I need to repair that modul or replace it. Is it the same modul or is it differant. Does Ford sell it and how much? Thanks for the help. Ron
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
High beams are not wired thru the lamps out module/LOM, but the low beams are wired to 2 seperate pins on the LOM.
Looks like fixing the LOM will fix your brake lights and your low beam.
The LOM is a common problem & theres been quite a few guys that have posted about removing the LOM & resoldering the connecter pins to fix the problem. Sure beats spending 80 bucks for a new LOM.
The LOM is behind the dash just above the center console. You have to remove a section of the dash trim to get to it.
Looks like fixing the LOM will fix your brake lights and your low beam.
The LOM is a common problem & theres been quite a few guys that have posted about removing the LOM & resoldering the connecter pins to fix the problem. Sure beats spending 80 bucks for a new LOM.
The LOM is behind the dash just above the center console. You have to remove a section of the dash trim to get to it.
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From: SoCal
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I've got the problem on my wife's 96 Limited Explorer with both brake lights and on my 99 XLT with just the driver side brake light. Third light works fine and the bulbs are all good... Ford dealership fixed my wife's for $400 then it started up again a month later... I should have gone back, but never did...
I am thinking about taking them to an auto-electric place near here.
I also have my 99 XLT's driver lock not working when the door is open, but working fine when closed... I figure it is a pinched wire, but the harness is impossible to get into without damaging...
I am thinking about taking them to an auto-electric place near here.
I also have my 99 XLT's driver lock not working when the door is open, but working fine when closed... I figure it is a pinched wire, but the harness is impossible to get into without damaging...
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Update on the 96... Beach Ford had it for a day and a half and replaced the ballast... I don't have the receipt but the total price was$1311 for the ballast, lower ball joints, charging the A/C, and cleaning the fuel injectors and throtle body... and an inspection... which is why I gave up and took it in... my wife got a ticket for expired inspection, which will be dismissed when we bring the receipt in to court... but I would have never known to look for a ballast... I thought those were just in flourescents...
And before you beat me up for letting them clean the throtle body and injectors, you need to know that I didn't let them change the air filter...
And before you beat me up for letting them clean the throtle body and injectors, you need to know that I didn't let them change the air filter...
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