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CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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I had a problem where my brake lights wouldn't come on whereas the high-mount brake light did. (Twilight Zone theme playing in the background). The guy at the shop isolated the problem to the turn-signal switch in the steering column but short of replacing the thing (mucho $$) he couldn't offer any other solution.
This is where you guys come in. I did a quick search through the forum archives and found a previous posting where someone had the same problem (and more importantly, its solution!) and a little bit of elbow grease, 2 screws later I had the thing fixed. I figure it saved me at least $400.
Woo hoo!
/Eric
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
'96 Mystique GS, ATX
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
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Not sure how you fixed it, but the turn signal switch isn't but like $50 and is a DYI project that takes 15 minutes MAX. Mine burnt up and I had to replace it. I mean it literally BURNED. Problem was getting autozone to actually get the part in, how great it was to stop having to put my hand out the window to signal. 
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 103
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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It wasn't the "clicker" that had to be replaced. It was the whole turn signal switch unit (includes stalk and circuit module).
What Ford calls a turn signal switch unit is actually a misnomer. It's the main control/logic unit for all indicator lights on the car. It also controls the transmission interlock on ATX-equipped cars (like mine) so you have to depress the brake pedal before you move into gear from Park.
/Eric
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
'96 Mystique GS, ATX
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
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Ummm, what exactly do you mean? I replaced the stalk what the stalk is connected to (it's one piece). I'm talking about what controls all the lights and is on the steering wheel. It was ~$50. I thought at first it was just the relay but it wasn't. Though I don't believe this stalk controls the transmission interlock (atleast not on my car). Are you talking about something in the engine bay or something?
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 103
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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I mean the whole assembly...turn signal stalk + the light control circuit assembly. Did I need to have the whole thing replaced? Jury is out. Does it control the brake interlock? Apparently so. Read your owner's manual, you can't shift into gear without the brake pedal depressed. I have found it much easier to shift into gear now that the part has been repaired....I used to have to really wiggle the shifter / press the button multiple times before I could move the shifter. Could be my imagination though I don't think so. My point remains that a careful read of the advice on this group can save you a few doneros.  Now to replace my wheel bearings. I think I'll read about others' experiences with *that*. Thanks for the reply, /Eric
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
'96 Mystique GS, ATX
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
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So you're saying the stalk, and some other thing that I still don't know where it is and this thing connects to the brake pedal and to the head lights,etc. I know you have to press the brake down to get into gear (or did I just think I was cruising down the highway last nite). But that little button I thought is just connected to the brake lights and the shifter. Completely separate from the turn signal stalk AFAIK and probably separate from other things in the steering column. So what is it you replaced? Did you replace the little button behind the brake pedal?
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 103
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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Posts: 103 |
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
So you're saying the stalk, and some other thing that I still don't know where it is and this thing connects to the brake pedal and to the head lights,etc. I know you have to press the brake down to get into gear (or did I just think I was cruising down the highway last nite). But that little button I thought is just connected to the brake lights and the shifter. Completely separate from the turn signal stalk AFAIK and probably separate from other things in the steering column. So what is it you replaced? Did you replace the little button behind the brake pedal?
No need to be rude.
I have looked at the wiring diagram and am simply saying that it's possible that the shift/brake interlock is commanded (boolean AND'd actually)with the output from this circuit so am neither lazy nor talking off the top of my head.
My thread was intended as a thank you to the group for saving me aggravation and $$. Malfunctioning (Tail)Brake light Thread
In case you didn't understand it, my point remains that regardless of whether I had to shell out $X + labour for the whole "A" assembly or < $X + labour for subassembly "A.1" I'm a happy camper. The guys at the dealership thought I would have to buy the whole assembly...whatever.
I can look at the circuit diagrams a bit closer if you want to but I'm just happy that the thing's working and that I can drive safely w/o freaking the drivers behind me with dys/non-functional brake lights. They're paying little enough attention as it is.
/Eric
Hey "Kremit the Frog" Did you hear about the dyslexic agnostic insomniac? He lay awake all night wondering if there really was a dog! 
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
'96 Mystique GS, ATX
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
I wasn't trying to be rude either. I just don't understand what exactly it is you did to fix your problem, and I just skimmed the thread you posted cuz I'm lazy and didn't gather much from it. Did you just get a wiring diagram and wire something else up? I thought you were saying the stalk is part of what you're talking about, while I KNOW the stalk only controls turn signals, and high headlights. I'm done with this thread just because it's too confusing and I don't think I'll ever gather what you actually did from your post or past posts that I'm too lazy to really read. 
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 103
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 103 |
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
I wasn't trying to be rude either. I just don't understand what exactly it is you did to fix your problem, and I just skimmed the thread you posted cuz I'm lazy and didn't gather much from it. Did you just get a wiring diagram and wire something else up? I thought you were saying the stalk is part of what you're talking about, while I KNOW the stalk only controls turn signals, and high headlights. I'm done with this thread just because it's too confusing and I don't think I'll ever gather what you actually did from your post or past posts that I'm too lazy to really read.
Gosh, at least your honest. Here...I'll make it clear. The doo-hickey that the stalk is connected to controls marker lights and brake lights too. If the doo-hickey (sold as a unit with the stalk) doesn't work, then your brake lights don't work and neither does your brake-shift interlock.
Here's a link to the page in the manual: Brake Interlock Operation from Owner's Manual Note the phrase, "If the gearshift lever cannot be moved from Park (P) it is possible that....the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly."
Yes, if your switch under the brake pedal doesn't work, then neither will your brake lights. In fact, a "1" from that switch, + a "1" from the doo-hickey = a "1" at your brake lights. This is called a logical "and" function.
1 AND 1 = 1
1 AND 0 = 0
0 AND 1 = 0
1 AND 0 = 0
ie: only when the brake pedal switch AND the doo-hickey work will your brake lights work.
Now that I've explained it to death I think I'll go to bed. My brain hurts.
/Eric
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
'96 Mystique GS, ATX
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
So when my switch burnt up and I replaced it (the stalk and of course the part that it's connected to since that's what burnt up) you're saying my brake lights didn't work when they actually did work? And I couldn't even put it into gear even though I drove for two weeks with this burnt up part? This is what confuses me.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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