Hi again. I found it! I knew there was a recall on these vehicles for a faulty brake light switch and wiring. It has been so long, I just was not sure. However, I found it. You need to contact a Ford dealership and confirm that the recall procedures were never done to your vehicle. They will need your vehicle identification number (VIN). If was never done, repairs will be free of charge. Note: There are two separate recalls regarding this issue (from 2004 that is why I could not remember). Take a look through these recalls. I have attached both for you to review.
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Recall - Stop Lamp Switch Wire Harness Replacement
Vehicle Sensors and Switches Sensors and Switches - Lighting and Horns Brake Light Switch Technical Service Bulletins Recalls and Campaigns Recall - Stop Lamp Switch Wire Harness Replacement
RECALL - STOP LAMP SWITCH WIRE HARNESS REPLACEMENT
Related Links
Dealer Letter
Attachment I - Administrative Information
Attachment II - Labor and Parts Information
Attachment III - Technical Information
Attachment IV - Questions and Answers
Owner Letter
Q. Why are you recalling these vehicles?
A. We have found an unacceptably high rate of potential failure in the stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring on these vehicles. Customers will be notified to take their cars into a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer to have the stop lamp switch replaced with a more robust design and a wiring harness repair.
Q. What happens in the affected vehicles?
A. In some cases, the stop lamp switch can fail, causing the car's brake lights to either stay on, or not come on at all, regardless of the position of the brake pedal. If the stop lamp switch fails, and the brake lights do not come on, then the vehicle cannot be shifted out of park.
Q. What about vehicles built before the 2000 model year? What about 2004 cars?
A. Taurus and Sable vehicles built before model year 2000 had a different switch design. The switch was changed for the 2000 model year. This switch was used through February 2003. Design improvements were implemented in March 2003 and are currently in production in the 2004 vehicles.
Q. Why are fixed pedal and adjustable pedal vehicles affected in 2000 MY vehicles and only adjustable pedal vehicles affected in 2001 - 2003 MY vehicles?
A. Design improvements for fixed pedal vehicles were implemented for 2001 MY vehicles. Design improvements for adjustable pedal vehicles were not implemented until March 2003.
Q. What happened in the first recall (01S08) of these cars? Why wasn't the problem fixed right the first time?
A. The original service action included only vehicles equipped with the optional adjustable pedal assemblies. Investigation in 2001 concluded that grease from the adjustable pedal assembly was migrating to the switch and causing it to malfunction. The service fix involved removing the exposed grease. However, we have now found that grease in the mechanism can continue to cause the concern. In addition, the possible wiring harness concern being addressed in this action was not completely understood at the time of the initial recall.
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Recall 04V106000: Stop Lamp Switch/Wiring Defect
Vehicle Sensors and Switches Sensors and Switches - Lighting and Horns Brake Light Switch Technical Service Bulletins Recalls and Campaigns Recall 04V106000: Stop Lamp Switch/Wiring Defect
RECALL 04V106000: STOP LAMP SWITCH/WIRING DEFECT
DEFECT: Certain passenger vehicles are being recalled to correct a problem with a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring. This malfunctioning could render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. This could cause confusion to a following driver, which could lead to a crash. In addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "Park." If they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge.
REMEDY: Dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 5, 2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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Call that number and see what they tell you. Have your VIN ready. Let me know what you find out from them.
Take care,
Joe
Note: If the recall has already been done, replace the switch. Regardless, please let me know what you find.
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 AT 7:47 PM
