Brake light switch differences clairified
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From: Billings, Montana
Brake light switch differences clairified
After having brake light problems I was suspecting a brake light switch failure I did a search on the forums for my 99 Expedition for information on this subject. Reading the posts on the brake light switches for the 99, I was subjected to differing opinions on the subject, the majority of which (finding out through my experience of just completing the repair) I was able to determine were incorrect.
Once I purchased the switch ($17 at Car Quest for the good one) I changed out the switch and had the chance to dig into it further to determine exactly how it works and what had failed. After doing so I thought I’d write a post in an attempt to clear up the confusion.
The majority of the posts state that if your brake light switch goes out, then so does your ability to shift the vehicle out of park. Most posts I saw were from people used to dealing with a 97's, or 98's where in these vehicles this would be true. The 99 Expedition's brake light switch differs from the 97 and 98's both of which have one switch controlling the brake lights and the transmission shifter interlock. The difference in the 99's is that it's actually two switches in one. One controlling the brake lights (I suspect higher amp's, and more prone to failure) and the other the transmission shifter interlock (lower amp's, and less prone to failure), so the brake light part of the switch can fail while the shifter interlock part of the switch remains functional.
The two contacts that control the brake lights in the switch end up burning up over time, thus eventually causing the failure.
I suspect Ford made this change to the the switch on the 99's because they probably had some pretty upset people who were stranded because they were also unable to shift out of park when their brake light switch on the earlier models failed . For this reason I would recommend that those of you driving 97's or 98's carry a spare switch with you just in case.
I've heard Ford can charge as much as $150 to replace these from some of the posts I've seen in this site, which is terrible for something as quick and easy to do as this (It took me about 5 minutes to complete on my 99 and only required a screw driver). I hope this helps out others .
Once I purchased the switch ($17 at Car Quest for the good one) I changed out the switch and had the chance to dig into it further to determine exactly how it works and what had failed. After doing so I thought I’d write a post in an attempt to clear up the confusion.
The majority of the posts state that if your brake light switch goes out, then so does your ability to shift the vehicle out of park. Most posts I saw were from people used to dealing with a 97's, or 98's where in these vehicles this would be true. The 99 Expedition's brake light switch differs from the 97 and 98's both of which have one switch controlling the brake lights and the transmission shifter interlock. The difference in the 99's is that it's actually two switches in one. One controlling the brake lights (I suspect higher amp's, and more prone to failure) and the other the transmission shifter interlock (lower amp's, and less prone to failure), so the brake light part of the switch can fail while the shifter interlock part of the switch remains functional.
The two contacts that control the brake lights in the switch end up burning up over time, thus eventually causing the failure.
I suspect Ford made this change to the the switch on the 99's because they probably had some pretty upset people who were stranded because they were also unable to shift out of park when their brake light switch on the earlier models failed . For this reason I would recommend that those of you driving 97's or 98's carry a spare switch with you just in case.
I've heard Ford can charge as much as $150 to replace these from some of the posts I've seen in this site, which is terrible for something as quick and easy to do as this (It took me about 5 minutes to complete on my 99 and only required a screw driver). I hope this helps out others .
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From: Billings, Montana
Originally Posted by sbclemens
Madsonp, do you know it the 99 switch will fit a 98? And what happened to muskrat?
Oh, and HE'S BACK
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I'm going to check the wiring diagram on my 98 to see if they have seperate wires sharing single contacts. If so, then I can seperate them into two seperate switches. From your photos, you definately can see that one side is rated for a higher load than the other.
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From: Glendora, CA
Originally Posted by sbclemens
I'm going to check the wiring diagram on my 98 to see if they have seperate wires sharing single contacts. If so, then I can seperate them into two seperate switches. From your photos, you definately can see that one side is rated for a higher load than the other.
Might just be easier to go to NAPA or any local parts store and pick up an extra unit and keep it under the seat, don'tcha think?
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From: Billings, Montana
Originally Posted by sbclemens
Yes, picking up an extra switch would be the easiest way. But it doesn't resolve the poor design issue. That's why Ford seperated the switch into two seperate units in one housing.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-98...spagenameZWDVW
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Differences 99 expedition and 00 expedition
I have a question the brake light switch. Is there any difference between 99 ford expedition brake light switch and 00 ford expedition brake light switch? The auto parts store didn't have 99 brake light switch so i bought 00 brake light switch. It still wont shift out of park and light wont come on. Do you think the 00 brake light switch not compatible with my 99 ford expedition?
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brake light switch
Yea i did. it fits perfectly. but still cant shift out of parking unless i take it out and start without it. When i went to auto zone they show me a different brake light switch. The 99 brake light switch looks alot different from 00. i'm confuse now.