2001 taurus Brake Light always ON

I have recently bought a '01 for taurus with 105K miles on it. The problem I have with is the Brake Light is always ON. Even after shutting off ignition. Does anyone have any idea what is going on?

Sophi,

The first place I would address is the brake switch for the lights located near the brake pedal. It could be shorted , making it appear that the brake pedal is always depressed.

Not sure if this applies to you but there is a recall directed at Taurus' with adjustable pedals to replace the brake light switch. Irregardless, as Tom says, the brake light switch is your likely culprit.

The brake light bulb circuit is shorted to ground somewhere if it is on when the key is off. This circuit is turned on by completing the ground. If the park brake is applied it supplies ground, and if the brake fluid level is low the switch in the master cylinder supplies a ground. It needs some wiring diag. :sunglasse

I'm sorry, I think I am reading this incorrectly, If the outside brake lights are on you need the brake light switch replaced. It is a recall. Sorry for the missdirection. :sunglasse

I agree with irish30, this is fixed by Ford free of charge. I'm reading my factory recall notice and this is your problem. It happened to my car also. If your battery hasn't started to discharge yet, it will. Carry jumper cables. Call your dealership you'll need your vin #, request service for Safety Recall 04S12.