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breaklight question

why do my breaklights stay on even when the key is out of the ignition? the only way to turn them off is by disconnecting the battery.

breaklight question

Reply #1
I would check you break light switch (located on the brake pedal). Then I would check the wires and grounds.
1987 Cougar XR7 5.0 SOLD
1992 Ranger 4.0
2018 Hyundai Elantra
2019 Ram Rebel

breaklight question

Reply #2
im going to check, any other suggestions?

 

breaklight question

Reply #3
In my car the wires going to the brake switch got hot, melted, and fused together. Coulda been a lot worse (fire), but it was a pain to fix anyway, being tucked up in under the dash like they are...

You might check that no wires or aftermarket goodies such as remote starters or alarm systems are pulling on the wires to the brake switch - it doesn't take much movement to turn the switch on...
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

breaklight question

Reply #4
I think Ford did a poor job in designing the brake light switch and its wires. I've had issues with the wires in all three of my Fox Cougars.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

breaklight question

Reply #5
Quote from: xr7cat;123578
I would check you break light switch (located on the brake pedal). Then I would check the wires and grounds.


can those be adjusted on these cars? just a question to help out ol dude.
:cougarsmily:5.0 HO, E303 cam, Exploder/Cobra intake, smog pump delete, Ford Taurus electric fan, MAF conversion, BBK headers, MAC 2.5" off-road exhaust w/x-pipe, AOD w/shift kit, 8.8 Trac-Loc rear w/disc brakes, 5-lug conversion w/'98 Mustang GT 17" wheels, Mach 1 springs:cougarsmily:

breaklight question

Reply #6
Quote from: jncocowboyx;123657
can those be adjusted on these cars? just a question to help out ol dude.


Not, the switch can not be adjusted, when It stay on brake, just change for another one...

All of the Ford I owned since My 1970 Cyclone, 74 marquis, 79 T-Bird, econoline, and other, have the same brake switches, the switch are located on the brake pedal and retained by a 1/2" or around stud on the brake pedal by a lock pin, actuated By the arm actuate the brake booster or a brake master cylinder...

I encountered some problems with that Ford switch through the Years...

Brake lights stay on: bad switch...
Brake light don't work: bad switches or wire cutted into the connector at the switch.

one time on My econoline the wire was ripped on the direction column bracket and shorted the B+ to the ground, that's was caused a lot of smoke on the truck as well, I fixed that problem by taping the wires on the pedal arm to the fixations on the top, and it's okay...

regards,
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]1985 Thunderbird 3.8 carbed 57k original, summer car.
1980 Econoline inline 6 300ci 300k, winter/working.
1988 Base Bird finally crushed... RIP.

Dominique,  The Ridiculous, Fordus, crazyous!!!  :birdsmily:

breaklight question

Reply #7
I had this problem a while back but it wasnt anything in my wiring or the switch.  there is a little bracket or ring on the steering column that was getting in the way of the brake pedal. I dont know what its for or why its there but I turned it so it wouldnt hit the pedal and all has been fine ever since. this may be your problem just keep that in mind when looking at your pedal.

breaklight question

Reply #8
Quote from: juggalopaint;123573
why do my breaklights stay on even when the key is out of the ignition? the only way to turn them off is by disconnecting the battery.


The stop lights work always unless You have the ignition on...

And shortly, to check if You have a bad brake switch, just disconnect the plug on it, Your brake lights will go off, and test with a jumper between the two contacts in the connector, when jumped the brake lights come on, not jumped not on, ect...

Have a nice Day,
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]1985 Thunderbird 3.8 carbed 57k original, summer car.
1980 Econoline inline 6 300ci 300k, winter/working.
1988 Base Bird finally crushed... RIP.

Dominique,  The Ridiculous, Fordus, crazyous!!!  :birdsmily: