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Ford Ranger Brake Problems

165 messages,  Last post on Oct 30, 2012 at 5:15 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Ranger, Ford

Messages Page 9 of 18

#73 of 165 Re: Ranger brake lights [sce_thor] by bolivar

Jul 30, 2008 (2:32 pm)

Replying to: sce_thor (Jul 30, 2008 3:54 am)
"Power is not supplied to the fuses until the brake pedal is depressed. The real problem was a bad ground going to the brake pedal switch. There is a small plastic bushing that prevents the pedal from having a ground since there is a ground already in the plug. I simply removed the plastic bushing and now have brake lights. "
 
Well, that's not how I think the brake system works. The power goes thru the fuse first (what good does a fuse do if the power doesn't go there first), then to the brake switch on the pedal, then when the brake is depressed and the switch closes, power goes to the rear brake lights, then to ground in the rear of the vehicle.
 
I think you have a sticky brake switch, and when you messed with it you got it to work. I think you should just replace the brake switch, putting the plastic bushing back because this is part of the switch, Your switch will probably give you more problems in the future.
 
In owning my 1994 Ranger for about 8 years, I replace the brake switch three times. This include one Ford switch and two aftermarket ones. For some reason, these switches do not last long.

#74 of 165 Re: abs light is on constantly [bolivar] by bigzoman

Aug 02, 2008 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: bolivar (Jul 30, 2008 2:22 pm)
Thanks bolivar,I have an appointment to get it done next week,thanks for the help.

#75 of 165 Re: abs light is on constantly [bigzoman] by bolivar

Aug 02, 2008 (3:23 pm)

Replying to: bigzoman (Aug 02, 2008 12:38 pm)
If you got the bushing out, you almost have the switch off. I think a clip is all that holds it on. You can buy them at any parts house, don't have to buy Ford.

#76 of 165 94 Ranger brake light/pedal switch wiring fire by 1mrwonderful2

Sep 30, 2008 (12:00 am)

Noticed smoke, then sparking which turned out to be wiring (green w/red strip) burning along steering column. Took dash panels out and found wiring was to switch on pedal. After reading postings here relative frequency of failure of this switch ... I will pick up new one in the morning.... I already cut out and replaced the arching section of wiring.... ABS light flashing and of course the fuse controlling tail/brake lights blew when the wires arched. Can get the tail lights to work with switch disconnected... blows fuse when connected and activated. Anybody else seen this ? Why would faulty switch cause wiring to burn/short out?

#77 of 165 Re: 94 Ranger brake light/pedal switch wiring fire [1mrwonderful2] by bolivar

Sep 30, 2008 (12:36 am)

Replying to: 1mrwonderful2 (Sep 30, 2008 12:00 am)
The power to the brake switch is hot all the time. And I think that green with red wire is the 'hot' wire. With ignition off, key out, you can step on brake and get brake lights.
 
Are you saying you pulled the connecter off the switch, then jumped these connectors and the fuse blew? If so, then the switch is not the problem. You have a short to ground somewhere between the switch and the brake lights.
 
Ok, I read your note again. It looks like you got power to the wire coming out of the switch (Light Green?) and the brake lights came on. And putting the connectors back on the switch, the fuse blew. This does seem like the switch is bad, bad, bad. In fact it seems to be shorting directly to ground. I would have hoped the fuse would have blown and not smoked the wire, but maybe someone put a larger fuse in there than specified.
 
Of the 3 switches that failed on my 94, none of them did this. The just quit making good contact when the brake pedal was pushed. This is also scary in cruise control, because when the switch/brake lights don't work, the cruise is not dis-connected when you push on the brake.... This is usually how I would find out the switch was not working. And, the one time the county deputy followed me into my driveway to tell me I didn't have any brakes light.

#78 of 165 Re: 94 Ranger brake light/pedal switch wiring fire [bolivar] by 1mrwonderful2

Sep 30, 2008 (7:24 am)

Replying to: bolivar (Sep 30, 2008 12:36 am)
Since I bought the vehicle used, actually 94 B3000 Mazda, not sure of morons that have been under the dash.... Looked to me that the wire may have been stripped or just worn from rubbing something ... causing short and the burning wire. The fuse was correct and eventually blew during the original smoke/sparking/lights out scene (dash, stop, tail and flashing ABS indicator). I 'trouble shot" the situation by first isolating the burnt wire.. got all lights except brake light (and ABS flashing). Then installed new wires to switch....still good ... activating the switch blew the fuse... Wife on way home with new switch... Hopefully installing will get us back in operation... Thanks for insight.

#79 of 165 Re: 94 Ranger brake light/pedal switch wiring fire [1mrwonderful2] by bolivar

Sep 30, 2008 (4:01 pm)

Replying to: 1mrwonderful2 (Sep 30, 2008 7:24 am)
Yea, since that wire is hot all the time, that moron might have stripped off some insulation to power something. And when he took it out, didn't bother to put any tape on it.
 
Of course, they strip the wire coming out of the switch to power electric trailer brakes. This, and more, was done on my used 94.
 
Good luck. Electricical problems are tough.

#80 of 165 Re: 94 Ranger brake light/pedal switch wiring fire [bolivar] by 1mrwonderful2

Sep 30, 2008 (8:34 pm)

Replying to: bolivar (Sep 30, 2008 4:01 pm)
Well does not seem that the switch was the issue... Took it to a mechanic after the new switch tripped fuse as soon as it was plugged in... Mechanic suggested new bulbs... still no stop lights ... Got everything except stop function and connection to stop switch now working..... Tomorrow we plan to attempt to eliminate the use of the light green wire (with red stripe) in harness and connect the new switch in line somewhere at firewall. Will share progress.

#81 of 165 Re: 94 Ranger brake light/pedal switch wiring fire [1mrwonderful2] by bolivar

Sep 30, 2008 (10:31 pm)

Replying to: 1mrwonderful2 (Sep 30, 2008 8:34 pm)
Is it still blowing fuses?
 
If so, you have a short somewhere between the switch and the rear lights.
 
If it's not blowing fuses, then something you have done 'fixed' this.
 
I would look closely at the rear lights for corrisson, etc. Look for cutting into the wiring back there to drive trailer lights.
 
If I remember right, you drop the tailgate to get to the screws that hold the rear light lens.

#82 of 165 Re: 94 Ranger brake light/pedal switch wiring fire [bolivar] by 1mrwonderful2

Oct 01, 2008 (8:31 am)

Replying to: bolivar (Sep 30, 2008 10:31 pm)
WE are both at same spot in trying to pinpoint this.... fuses do not blow until the switch is connected.... I installed the aftermarket plug in fixture for the trailer hook up when I first got the truck two years ago. Also has cap with separately wired interior light and third stop light (disconnected these to make sure the problem was not there). Really think the short is still in the line up front between point I went back to and the firewall. Raining and can't work on it today... Let you know what we find so others hopefully will benefit from my frustration THANKS !!!!!

Messages Page 9 of 18

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