Stop Light Switch - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

arfur · 12-30-2003, 10:00

Just had to replace my stop light switch on my '97 EL for the third time in four years! Anybody got any idea what killing them?

TIKFD6 · 12-31-2003, 02:28

Sounds like you might have a short or fault somwhere.
Check your circuit, or get an auto elec to check it out.

Aussiblue · 12-31-2003, 04:49

How do they fail; not screwing them in too far are you?

TIKFD6 · 12-31-2003, 04:54

It could be a reason but i wouldnt think so.

Aussiblue · 12-31-2003, 05:00

The workshop manual warns to turn the switch only 4 turns as it incorporates a self locking feature and will fail if turned more than 4 turns.

TIKFD6 · 12-31-2003, 05:05

Fair call, does it fail over time or straight away?

Aussiblue · 12-31-2003, 08:44

Don't know as I always obeyed the instructions but I suspect it would fail imediatelt. The Manual also warns that if removed the switch cannot be re-used and must be replaced.

arfur · 12-31-2003, 12:55

Hmm, got a feelin' the switch in question is not the same as those being discussed. This one resides under the brake pedal and is held there by a pin and spring clip arrangement. There is no 'screwing' or 'adjusting' etc. It fails simply but not turning on the stop lights or off the cruise control which is particularly annoying! The curious part of it all is if you check it out with a multimeter it appears to be OK. However, with some current through it, that is when it fails to operate. It must be said though, it is the easiest switch that I have ever replaced, can do it in seconds, oh allright, minutes.But it is annoying and at $30 a pop.....! Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated.

TopGhia · 12-31-2003, 13:21

Is moisture getting into it from somewhere?

Next time give it a good slop of di-electric grease to prevent this. A tube of Dow Corning 4 Electrical Insulating Compound is good for this. Is also good for fuse blades and relay contacts to stop corrosion.

Happy New Year

TIKFD6 · 12-31-2003, 22:04

Could it be posible that the switch moves, and therefore does not make contact with the pedal?
I know this happens with the Cruise switches on the brake and clutch pedal.