Explorer Brake Lights

[marbone]

Could someone please point me in the right direction?
My brake lights are not working, all other lights in the back work (turn signal, nighttime lights, etc.). I've checked the light bulbs and the fuse box and both seem to be fine. I'm no genius at this stuff but was hoping someone could give me an idea of what the problem may be before I get myself pulled over?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

What year is your Explorer, since the tail lights are different between generations?

I'd suggest you start by seeing if the brake pedal switch is working. That switch is what actually turns the brake lights on. If the switch appears to be working, see if you have trailer wiring.

If you do, and it is not factory trailer wiring, then see if it was spliced in to the original wiring. If so, cut it out and be prepared to replace feet of wire for all the wires that were spliced. Many times, places that wire in aftermarket trailer wiring will use these blue Scotch-loc splices. These are fine for dry environments, but offer absolutely no protection from the elements when used outside the vehicle. And, because they pierce the wire insulation, they also allow the elements to get into the factory wiring and corrode the copper.

Usually when this happens, if you catch if fairly early, you'll only need to cut out about a 1 foot section of each wire, replace it with new, and use adhesive-lines shrink sleeving to insulate the soldered splices.

-Rod

[Johnny Mullet]

I bet it's the stop lamp switch on the pedal.

[sporttrac01]

i have a 2001 explorer sport trac and my break light was the only lights not working took it to three different shops and after a week someone found the problem. there is a multi connector swith in the steering colum, my brake lights would only work when my steering tilt was up when you lowered it the brake lights wouldnt work. shop charged my 6 dollars in parts and 80 in labor to me it was worth it, it just bout drove me crazy.