1999 Windstar brake lights not working

[King]

My brake light socket on my drivers side is funky. It's like it breaks it's connection time to time and then someone tells me I have a brake light out. I take off the cover and inspect the light.....hmmm........not blown.

I put it back in a jiggle it in the socket and whamo it works again. I'm thinking something in the socket is screwed up or something. It's kinda annoying when you get pulled over for having a brake light out and then having to take off the cover and jiggle the light to show the cop that it actually isn't burned out. However with that little demonstration I have failed yet to get a ticket.

Usually only happens if I ride a really rough road or hit a pothole.

[krosspen]

Here it is July of 2008 and I have the same problem this guy had. WOW....what a series of posts! Isn't ANYTHING easy any more? Crap, boys need to take the van on adventure trip up north.... guess I HAVE to go to the dealer or good local garage. PS...mine had a UHAUL aftermarket trailer light module put in to add trailer light harness.

[bakatak]

Hi, I'm a total newbie here.
Boy, I thought it would be an easy replacement of bulbs. But not so. Can someone help me understand in plain english why it's so complicated to replace the rear brake lamps?

Thanks

[Flyingjackal456]

It's easy, just open the hatch, remove the two screws above the light assembly, carefully pull the assembly away from vehicle. (Does not need much force). Then you just disconnect the wiring harnesses, then Twist bulbs out, and new bulbs in.

Anyone can do it, just take your time. If you need specific instructions, please ask... but it shouldn't be needed to replace the bulbs.

[bakatak]

thanks for the reply Flyingjackal456. I replaced the bulbs without problem, but they still don't work. Back a few posts there was mention of an "outage module"...could that be my problem? That's where I was getting lost. Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks

[Flyingjackal456]

Are any of the three brake lights working? If none are working, check the fuses (refer to the Owner's Manual) I believe I recommended fuse numbers 7, 9, 11, 25, 27, and 41.

If fuses are good and lights do not work, try bridging the leads to the brake light switch (located on the brake pedal). If the brake lights are on, then get a new brake light switch. If not, report back for more ideas.

[bakatak]

Thanks, I'll try these out and let you know...ummm, do you think you could walk through the process of "bridging the leads"?

I'd really appreciate it.

[Flyingjackal456]

The brake pedal has a little box on it, with a spring and a button, and two wires, just get another piece of wire (preferably a "test lead" with alligator clips) And connect the two wires together through your test lead... then see if the brake lights come on... If they do, go to Ford dealer or a junkyard and get the brake-light pedal switch (not sure of the official name). Put it in and enjoy life again.

[mark v]

Buy a new switch they are cheap, dont go to a junkyard for a brake light switch. You can buy them at any local auto parts store.

I suppose you would tell somebody to buy their fuses at a junkyard too!

[bakatak]

thanks Flyingjackal456 and Mark V. I'll try these out and let you know how things turn out.