Brake Pressure Switch

[aejcg]

My 1999 Windstar has recently experienced a couple of problems. First, the van started cutting out and the engine light came on. The code stated it was a Mass Flow Sensor. However, after having it changed out, it continued to cut out and the engine light came back on. After a few days, it started blowing the #10 fuse and I started disconnecting until I narrowed it down to the Brake Pressure Switch. Right now I have it disconnected so I can have AC. My questions are, 1) is the switch supposed to be N/O or N/C, and 2) the van started running better after disconnecting. Could this be the original problem?

[garync1]

NOt sure on the first question.. But yes this could have been your problem all a long. Check connection and wire harnest may have a burnt section causing it to ground out. Or connection may have defaulted at switch and or switch is bad. Napa should carry most of these Items.. Before trying the dealer.. Sound like wire grounding out to me.. But switch or plug could be bad as well.

[Jeckler]

Is the switch mounted to the master cylinder? It sounds like the same thing that's causing fires in certain vehicles. From memory, the switch fails, brake fluid gets into the electrical portion of the switch, and WHHOOMPH!, get out the marshmallows.

[busboy4]

I believe the switch is normally closed as the circuit must be completed for cruise control to be on.

[aejcg]

Originally Posted by Jeckler

Is the switch mounted to the master cylinder? It sounds like the same thing that's causing fires in certain vehicles. From memory, the switch fails, brake fluid gets into the electrical portion of the switch, and WHHOOMPH!, get out the marshmallows.

Yes, the switch is mounted directly under the master cylinder and the connection was filled with brake fluid. Must be a dealer part as none of the parts stores I have tries even knows what it is.

[aejcg]

Originally Posted by busboy4

I believe the switch is normally closed as the circuit must be completed for cruise control to be on.

So can I assume that when the brake is applied, this is the switch that opens to dis-engage the cruise control? I checked and found that one of the leads went to ground, so I may have a problem with the wires as another poster implied.

[wiswind]

I have replaced the Brake Pressure Switch on my '96.

I have pictures of the process in my windstar pictures
http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

The part was less than $20 at my local FORD dealer.
I would buy one and change it.
It seems that it is a high failure item....
But is cheap....and very easy to replace.

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by aejcg

So can I assume that when the brake is applied, this is the switch that opens to dis-engage the cruise control? I checked and found that one of the leads went to ground, so I may have a problem with the wires as another poster implied.

Hi,
this switch will cancel cruise as will the switch on the brake arm under the dash (puts the brake lights on too). The designers wanted more than one way to "unlock" the accelerator if cruise is engaged.

[uprock]

My ABS light will not go off. I thought the problem was the switch since it was leaking and causing other problems. Now that it fixed all the problems, the light will go on after I start driving and not turn off. I was told that FOrd has to reset it.Is that true? Can I do it?
Thanks,

[wiswind]

Double check to make sure that your brake fluid is not even slightly low. If it is not right up to the full line....add some and see if that helps. The ABS light will come on for low brake fluid........

[fcrew]

If your brake fluid is low you should be getting a brake lite not an abs lite. You may have another problem there.