Brake Lights Problem

[mmcginnis46350]

I have a Lincoln Mark VIII 1993. Recently my brake lights went out and I am unable to figure out what is wrong. I checked all fuses in dash and under hood. All checked out ok. Also, My driving lights, turn signals, backup lights, and hazard lights all work. At first I thought it was the switch on the brake pedal but I tested it for continuity and it works fine. On another note since these issues are probably linked; my concole gear shift won't come out of park when I start the car and press the brake. I have to turn off the car and turn the key one click forward; switch to neutral, then start the car. Does anyone have any ideas? One person thought it might be a neutral safety switch problem. Could this be the problem? I understand that it might cause the gear shift problem but can it cause the brake lights to fail too? If so, where is it located and how can it be tested?

[JP]

Sure sound like a BOO switch problem to me. Maybe the switch is good and the harness is bad?

Does the 3rd brake lamp illuminate?

[jamies98lsc]

open the trunk and on the left hinge is a black plastic channel housing a bunch of rear light wires, the cover snaps off it so you can see the wiring, check the wiring for a broken wire/wires and you may find the problem. 1st gens have been known to have problems in this area because that cluster of wires gets stretched and moved so much over time from opeing and closing the trunk. just a thought!

[98TC-Cartier]

Check the wires leading to the brake pedal switch. Do you have power on one of them? Look around for a broken wire.

[pro-five-oh]

Plug in a EEC-IV code scanner and do the "key on, engine running" test. Perform the steps properly (google has that info) and check for a code for the BOO (brake) switch.

[Fordace]

Check the wires leading to the brake pedal switch. Do you have power on one of them? Look around for a broken wire.

yep.....sometimes only the copper wires break under the wire insulation, right next to the brake light switch, you will have to make sure of this.

[Philip]

I have a Lincoln Mark VIII 1993. Recently my brake lights went out and I am unable to figure out what is wrong. I checked all fuses in dash and under hood. All checked out ok. Also, My driving lights, turn signals, backup lights, and hazard lights all work. At first I thought it was the switch on the brake pedal but I tested it for continuity and it works fine. On another note since these issues are probably linked; my concole gear shift won't come out of park when I start the car and press the brake. I have to turn off the car and turn the key one click forward; switch to neutral, then start the car. Does anyone have any ideas? One person thought it might be a neutral safety switch problem. Could this be the problem? I understand that it might cause the gear shift problem but can it cause the brake lights to fail too? If so, where is it located and how can it be tested?

I agree with the BOO switch theory, I've had it happen on both my 1998 Mark VIII and the 1997 Cougar it replaced. I guess the vibration loosens those brake pedal switch contacts over time or something. The trunk wiring is also a possibility for the symproms you describe, but if you have all lights working and no blown fuses, then it's got to be the brake switch. Hopefully by now you've got your stuff all working right, but anyone who has never had the pleasure of not being able to shift out of "P" just learned to bypass the interlock:)

[mmcginnis46350]

The 3rd brake light does not work either.

[mmcginnis46350]

Are you referring to the switch on the brake pedal? If so, is this the item:

http://www.autozone.com/R,APP256767/vehicleId,1905801/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,664/partType,00132/shopping/partProductDetail.htm

[Fordace]

no dude, that switch might fit a 65 Mustang though.....

your switch probably isn't bad, the 2 wires that connect to the switch are probably broken.......

[JP]

If the switch tested good and you have no 3rd brake light, it is the harness wiring to the BOO switch.

[Philip]

adjust the prongs on the connection so that it fits tighter, and plug it back in, that's all.

[curtis_bob]

just wondering when pressing the break.. on the first gens... does only the 2 outside lights and the window light come on.... or are the lights on the trunk lid sapposed to come on as well???

[JP]

Just the corner lamps and 3rd brake light.

[Philip]

yep, the lights on the trunk lid serve ONLY as markers.