'01 Windstar: stepping on brake causes short

[bill212]

My 2001 Windstar has developed a bad problem. Stepping on the brake causes
- the brake lights to come on (ya, I know, this is a good thing)
- the reverse lights to come on (100% of the time)
- the rear window to open (maybe 10% of the time)
- the rear air blower to run intermittently (maybe 20% of the time)

I can hear the relays in the left rear panel area clicking away madly when the problem happens.

Has anyone got any hints that might save me a trip to the dealer?

[12Ounce]

I don't have much to offer. You might try pulling the "switched system power relays" #'s: 1, 2, 3, 4 one at a time to see if symptoms change. Two of these relays are at your left foot, two are in fuse/relay box near battery. Refer to owner's glove box guide.

If you bought one new relay you could switch it around in the 4 different relay positions for further insight.

You might also pull all brake and reverse lamps from their lampholders and check lampholder for corroded wire connections. Lubricate lamp bases with petroleum jelly, or something, before re-installing.

Check back as you learn more.

[garync1]

Do you have an ajustable brake pedal. Mine does. If you do try ajusting up towards you and see what happens. Not sure if this will help just wondering if a change will occur in your problem.

[bill212]

Yep. Pulling relays one by one led to identifying something connected to Relay#4 (SSP#3). There was a short in the wiring harness. Thanks folks.