Brake lights staying lit...

40701085

Have an old escort whose brake lights illuminated at some stage on the way home yesterday & now won't go out while the car lights are on...:eek:

Tried pumping the brakes for a while, no joy.

Could there be a quick fix (DIY) or does it sound like a garage visit is the only way?

Cheers all

Mr Benevolent

Faulty brake light switch or there's a faulty earth somewhere.

dgt

I can't remember what is was like in my old 'scort...

If its the same as the fiesta, look at the pedal. There should be a switch interacting with the pedal. On my fiesta, a tip of the brakes sets them off, too sensitive. Pry the switch down towards the pedal with a screw driver/ tyre lever, should click a few times. Don't overdo it or the lights wont light when the pedal is depressed.

If this fails, a new switch is the other option. Should be no more than €15 from ford

40701085

Thanks a mil for the advice, will have a poke around this evening

McP2011

There's escort parts on adverts.

slimjimmc

A stuck/shorting brake switch would leave the brake lights on even when tail lights are off. Since the brake lights won't go off while the tail lights are on that suggests something (bad earth or a short in either of the tail light clusters) is allowing current to flow from the tail lights into the the brake bulbs.