1999 brake light and turn signal problem

[aixaix]

I am currently having a problem with my 99 contour v6 AT. Recently the turn signals started to work on and off. sometimes they would stay on other times they would cut off and some times they would not come on at all. now they do not work at all. hazards do not work either. Along the same time my brake lights stopped working. The 3rd light still works but not the main 2. They cut on with the headlights but do not flash up when the brakes are depressed. I have looked into the fuses and the relay switch. It seems like there are problems with the turn signal switch, but I did not know if caused problems with the brake lights or not. If anyone has any suggestions for me to check out it would be great. Thanks a lot.

 

[zorrex]

Pretty sure you just need new bulbs. Probably a coincidence that they went out at the same time, though. Mine didn't go quick. It would sometimes work, sometimes not.

 

[Ray]

culprits that will affect turns and brakes but not the 3rd light:

MFS (Multi-function switchh, aka turn signal stalk)
fuses common to both sides and also common to both turns and brake lights
wiring common to both sides and also comon to both turns and brake lights


I'd say its your MFS... search for MFS removal how-tos and see if you can follow that to fix it.

unless there are other ideas that get posted.

 

[Big Jim]

I suspect the multifunction switch.

 

[pls0893]

relay in switch bad

relay in switch bad

I had the same problems with the right and left brake lights not working while the middle light did. I replaced the black relay that is in the multifunction switch and they started working.

I first tried looking for corrosion as listed above but there was none. My chilton book for the contour said that the relay is in the steering column. It is.. until you remove the multifunction switch, wish they would have just said it was actually on the switch itself would have saved me 20 minutes of looking under all the panels under the steering wheel. Replacing it was super easy.

I got the relay from the ford dealership for $25 ( after I coudn't find it at an auto parts store). Ya'll might want to try this first, way cheaper than the $90 switch.