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No Brake Lights / No Signals - Lights work?

9.1K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  bgjmusic  
#1 ·
Here's an interesting problem that maybe someone can shed some light on....

Tail lights work when the lights are turned on. All my lights work fine, side markers, grill, tails, backup lights, etc.

However...

when I use my turn signals: nothing flashes (I can still hear them click)
when I press on the brake: only the thrid brake light lights up.



Checked all my fuses under the dash and they are all fine. Checked the bulbs and they work fine. Swapped out my brake peddle switch with a buddies and same story....where else could I be getting problems?
 
#2 ·
Ignition switch possibly. That went bad on my mustang and slowly but steadily, I lost auxilary functions, reverse lights, turn signals, dome lights. . . . .
 
#3 ·
I would rule out the ignition switch myself, since the third brake light works. I cannot see how the ignition switch could affect the two main brake lights, but not the third brake light. I would be looking at the wiring to the main brake lights for issues, and I would check the bulbs and sockets carefully as well.

I assume you have not recently replace either of the taillight/brake bulbs? Using the wrong bulb could cause something like this.
 
#4 ·
no, we tested one with a brand new bulb as well.

yesterday we put in new suspension and I could see the wires running back to the hatch. They looked perfectly fine...like new pretty much.

After testing the bulbs, brake peddle switch, pulling all the fuses...I am really stumped. [dunno]
 
#5 ·
Check the wiring to the license plate bulb and the bulb/socket itself. Some people have had problems with a corroded socket and/or the wiring.

Other than that, it's time to go to the wiring schematics and the tedious job of tracing the circuit to see what common element might be causing your problem.
 
#7 ·
there is actually a recall on the wiring harness on focuses. i work at ntb so i get all the info on this stuff. the wire harness actually has a weird bend in it and after time can break the wires to the taillights which cause them to go out sometimes. thats the only thing i can think of in your situation. i say bring it to the dealer and mention the recall and they will see if its messed up for free :).
 
#10 ·
the signals in the front dont work either. However all the lights work fine all around the vehicle, just nothing blinks when signaling or hazard and the tails dont get brighter when braking. The signals make that clicking sound, but not even the dash lights go on.

I have a friend bringing his 04 over and we are going to swap GEMs to see if maybe that is the problem.