I have got 2003 Ford Falcon BA Station Wagon.
All three brakes lights have stopped working suddenly. I have changed the globes but they don't make any difference.
I am now thinking to change fuse however can't figures the fuse for brake lights.
Do you know the fuse number/location of for brake light fuse?
Where does it fit?
Can I fit it myself or need car eletrician?
It's up behind the brake pedal and they are a pain to replace. You are best off taking it to a mechanic they can change them over quite quickly.
could be the fuse
no brake lights will work if the fuse is blown
worth checking the fuse before you take it to a mechanic
Put your head under your dash where your brake pedal is and have a look
If you can't find it under the dash, check under the bonnet for a second fuse box.
Fairly normal for a falcon to have one, more, or all of it's brake lights not working.
The stop light fuse is number 7 socket in the dashboard fuse assembly to the right of the steering wheel. It takes a blue 15 amp fuse.
thanks
Carefull. If you are lacking in knowledge to only think fuse, then you are probably very much out of your depth with the brake light switch replacement. It is simple IF you are very dextrous with your hands and ok with looking upside down under a very tight space with little room to move in a very uncomfortable position. Get your owners manual out and read Electrical section on fuses and location, plus warnings.
That is why we have learnt to do this switch change in less than a minute or two without looking. But that is after many many cars worth of practice. Repco or Ford will sell you a switch, and cheap enough to have a spare in the glove box because they are a weak link in many cars, not just Falcons. The list for (dunnydores is huge).
Buy a switch, have a go, but book a short with your local repairer - mechanic or electrician makes do difference, if you can't get it done, bonus is you have the switch already at a better than their supply price.
Remember, brake lights are a crucial safety feature, not for you only, but for every person following you. DO NOT DRIVE until repairs have been effected, and if taking it for repairs, have a accossiate follow you with brake lights that know exactly where you are going to be your brake lights, although a tow truck is the only safe and legal method of transport.
This is no excuse for the Law though, and the Traffic Police or Transport Dept will bust you big time for unsafe and unreadworthy vehicle, points and $$$$$ if caught. And rightly so, you have been warned.
Good luck with it, and remember, have a go, but it is a critial SAFETY issue.
Dave, 40yr + mech.
Keep in mind that if your brake light switch is dodgy then there is a good chance that while running cruise control your brake will not cancel the cruise control and you might end up fighting the motor when trying to slow down.
Definitely get it fixed ASAP. I once had an old car I was having trouble tracing the brake light problem for. A couple of daylight trips to get parts or quick trip to work for a few days I was flicking on the tail lights when I needed to brake. Changes your driving style when you are worried that EVERY car behind you is going to run up your tail!
Took car to supercheap auto and the guy looked at fuse and said it appeared ok.
I have ordered new stop light switch and I will get mechanic to install it.
you really need to check the fuse with a meter or swap it into the radio fuse holder to prove its OK.
I've had fuses that look OK but aren't.
didn't realise that Falcon's had brake lights as standard — who knew ?!?
apparently they have indicators too, though these never wear out from overuse
What's an indicator?
indicators are an undocumented feature on most new cars, usage is optional or so it appears
fwdcelica
Lol.
Changed bulbs, fuse and now switch but still brake lights are not turning on.
Looks like I need to take it to car electrician.
does it have a tow bar? had a very similar problem with mine and turned out to be the electrical connection to the tow bar had a short somewhere, as soon as the electrician grabbed it (it was dangling), everything went back to normal.
Edit: wow just realised this is a bit old! Hope you had that fixed before Christmas.
It is not a fuse it is the Brake light switch. It is a common problem with falcons.