Hi Guys,

Hoping someone can help me out with this one.

Just recently picked up a 1998 EL Fairmont (280,000 on the clock).

Have a problem with the brake lights,

They only work like they should when the engine is running (but not when the ignition is just turned to ON) and even then the headlights/number plate lights come on at the same time, although very dim. The lighted panel on the radio/cassette player (yes original Ford cassette player) also dims out but comes back up when you let your foot off.

When the headlights/parking lights are on, all the brake lights are on as well, not just the normal rear lights.

I've checked the bulbs and they are standard 12v twin filament, but, the bulb holders themselves have seen better days (all are cracked, broken and brittle)

I figure this problem to be a short somewhere but before pulling the car apart thought I'd ask if anyone had an inkling of the most likely place to look first.

Could this problem be related to the Brake Peddle Switch?

Far as I can tell, everything else electrical does what it's supposed to. There are no after market speakers, cd player etc fitted (well, not yet)

If anyone can give me an inkling as to the best place to go looking first that'd be great

Cheers !

Sounds like a possible poor earth, check for corrosion at the battery terminals etc, give the wires a good wiggle and see if it makes any difference
Also, incorrect style globes can cause a similar issue!!

Going to replace all the broken bulb holders and replace the bulbs shortly. Cheers

Hi,

Does it have a tow bar ? If so the socket is the first place to look. The next will be the earth on the tail lights.

Regards 96ELGli

Problem cured. Replaced the broken/cracked tail/brake light buld holders with better ones from the wreckers. As they were okay left the bulbs that came with the replacements in place. Everything works the way it should. Could have been the bulbs (although I checked those and they apppeared to be the right ones) but more likely the broken buld holders may have been shorting out internally. Either way problem solved. Cheers