2001 Ford Escort Lower Brake Lights Not Working

2001 FORD ESCORT
120,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
FORDZX2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have a 2001 Ford Escort ZX2, why won't the lower brake lights work but the high-mount does? I replaced the brake light switch and the stop light fuse is okay. I also replaced the turn signal switch after seeing a video on YouTube with an Econoline van that had the same problem. Turn signals okay and all running lights work, hazard lights work fine too. All bulbs are good. No damage to car and car is clean (not wet or rusty). One day all brake lights were working and the next day just the lower brake lights stopped working. All of my repairs thus far have failed to fix the problem.
Nov 14, 2014 at 8:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 20,761 POSTS
The two rear lightcircuits pass through the electronic flasher before going to the rear lights. After that they individually pass through separate areas of the central junction box (fuse box). Since they pass through separately, it is unlikely that the junction box is effecting both so the odds are with the electronic flasher under the dash on the driver's side.

Make sure you haven't overlooked the basics like bulbs and connectors.
Nov 15, 2014 at 5:29 AM
Avatar
FORDZX2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello Wrenchtech,

I apologize for the long delay in responding to the solution of my problem. As you suggested it was the flasher unit that was the culprit. It sits above and behind the fuse panel under the driver’s side of the IP. I found one in a junkyard for $5!

Thanks again for your honest help,

Patrick
Dec 21, 2014 at 2:43 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 20,761 POSTS
You're welcome
Dec 21, 2014 at 2:48 PM