95 Ford Explorer Brake Lights

1995 FORD EXPLORER
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NATASHA1076
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The brake lights on my 95 Limited Edition Ford Explorer are not coming on. The truck has 124,000 miles. The third light works fine. I've checked the bulbs and fuses both are fine.
A mechanic looked it over and after testing the electrical currents in the front and back said there is no current reaching back to the brake lights. The current starts off good and is disconnected somewhere btwn the front and back.
Should I take this problem to the Ford dealer or can a regular mechanic fix it? How much should it cost? Could there be something else affecting the lights?

The mechanic looked above the brake pedal, I'm not sure what he was looking at exactly but he and another guy were in that area. And didnt come up with anything.
May 3, 2006 at 4:06 PM
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LOSONE
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That style of switch has been used from 1967 to 1997 and has always given that kind of trouble. I have replaced several hundred over the last 40- years.

Again, It is mounted on the brake pedal pivot on the dash extension that holds the brake pedal. I have attached a picture and cost of one from NAPA. Let me know.
May 4, 2006 at 2:10 PM
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NATASHA1076
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Is this an issue that I should take to a Ford dealership or can a regular mechanic fix it? How much do you estimate it costing to fix? Thank you so much for your insight!

I can do it myself? I saw how the guy was under the console by the brakes. Is it like a pop in and out thing?

I just got off with a Ford dealership. $145.68 to change and run a diagnostic check to be sure that is the problem or $65.73 to just change switch.

If I can do it myself PLEASE tell me how.


I wish we were closer I'd bring the car to you! :D


ANSWER:

I wanted to let you know that the problem ended up being a broken lamp out module. The dealer charged me $215 to repair. Being I got the repairs done there they waived the $79 diagnostic fee.


Well thank both of you for your help! :D
May 4, 2006 at 2:48 PM
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NATASHA1076
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I just finished talking with the mechanic and he said he didnt think it was the stoplight switch because the front lights are working. Does this sound right?
May 4, 2006 at 3:58 PM
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NATASHA1076
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Well I did just that, went to NAPA bought a switchight, replaced the old one and.....still no brake lights :cry:

I'm going to have to get a diagnostic from Ford to find out where the problem is. :(
May 5, 2006 at 9:21 AM
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LOSONE
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Hummm the circuit also goes through the turnsignal switch. Turn on your emergency flashers and see if they work
May 5, 2006 at 5:09 PM
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IMPORTBASHER89
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the brake lights go through the turn sig switch the third brake light sig comes diretly from the brake light switch that is why your third brake light works but the rear lights dont replace the turn sig swicth(mutifunction switch)
May 5, 2006 at 5:32 PM
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NATASHA1076
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I will try that tonight. Is this something I can do myself? (if so how).
May 8, 2006 at 10:21 AM
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LOSONE
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Look you have power to the socket and a ground so the brake light switch is doing it's job--try a socket replacement!!
May 8, 2006 at 5:25 PM