99 Windstar Brake Lights...

[dandi]

Hi, new member here... Having a problem with my '99 Windstar passenger-side brake light. The taillight works fine but brake light doesn't - I replaced the bulb, still no go. Have been reading about the opposite problem (brake lights ok, no tail lights) in various threads here, so assume I need to check the ground wire as well. Any idea which of the three wires is the ground? And where it might actually be grounded? Also, I noticed a post on another site that referenced the Light Control Module (LCM) - could this be a cause as well? The CHMSL and the driver's side lights are all fine.

Of course, the car is due for inspection this month and the weather doesn't lend itself to extended diagnostic sessions outdoors, so any pointers on causes would be MUCH appreciated!!

TIA

Dan D

[dandi]

C'mon, folks, 36 views and no replies?? No one has any BTDT's on this problem?

Dan D

[12Ounce]

If you are talking about the Right Rear Stop/Park lamp, it goes like following:
.
Both filaments are fed 12v positive from fuse #7 inside cabin fuse junction panel. This is a "hot at all times" feed ... wire color is gray/red. This wire also feeds the license plate lamps.
The ground wires are switched on/off by the Rear Electronic Module. They are: tan/red going to terminal #5, and gray/light-blue going to terminal #1. Both of these wires also go to the trailer tow module connector.

Are these wire colors the ones you are looking at?

[dandi]

Well, I haven't looked at them yet, it's been too cold and I was hoping for some guidance before I started...! But I will print off your response and bring it out with me.... BTW, where is this module, in the rear somewhere? Oh, and I have no tow package on this car....

Thanks a lot....

Dan D

[12Ounce]

I think the module is under the RH rear inner trim panel...or just below it under the floor pan.
You probably have the tow module harness connector even if you don't have the tow package....I don't know this, just guessing. Would be in the same general area.

[dandi]

Well, it appears to be the bulb receptacle itself. When I removed it, it looked 'burned' on the inside, and when I replced it with the one from the other tail light, voila! that oone worked. So, off to Ford Parts on Monday to get a new one.

Thanks for the suggestions, 12Ounce...

Dan D

[daveck2]

I took my 2001 SEL to the dealer because I had 12v going to the bulbs and had no way to test the REM or it's signal to the negative side. The dealer hooked it up to their computer and found a voltage drop at the bulb sockets. They replaced both sockets and $171 later I was out the door. I think I didn't suspect the sockets because the both went out at the same time and I assumed it was the REM since so many people were having issue with this module. Hope this helps out the next guy.