Dash warning lights coming on

2006 FORD EXPLORER
134,000 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • RWD • AUTOMATIC
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JBDEMPSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I purchased this car used. I noticed that the interior lights did not work. I checked the fuses and they were okay. I began checking the bulbs and found that all had been removed. Including the map/reading lights. When I replaced them with the correct part numbers, my airbag, parking brake, and traction control lights come on when I start the vehicle and stay on.

Oddly; when I turn on the parking lights, or full headlights, the warning lights disappear. However; when I turn the headlights on, the odometer turns red and issues a warning to "check brake system" for several seconds prior to returning to the odometer. Then the warning lights go off.

The engine and transmission seem to perform very well, and there are no other apparent issues.
Aug 26, 2017 at 11:25 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
From the description I would start by putting a good scan tool on it and scanning for brake, SIR and ABS codes. It sounds like you have either a bad sensor or bad module.
Ford uses the dash as a major component of the control systems, in this case it sounds like it may be faulty or programmed wrong. A scan would be a good starting point.
Aug 28, 2017 at 9:44 AM
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