Brake lights fuse

2005 FORD ESCAPE
41,000 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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KC1981423
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In the past 2 days, I have blown 2 fuses for the brake lights. They are 15amp fuses per the owners manual. When this fuse blows, the safety feature on the car does not allow you to take the car out of park, you can't shift the car into reverse, drive, etc. Why am I blowing this fuse? Do I have a bigger electrical problem somewhere else? I have blown the cigar lighter fuse before. I have not done anything electrical to the car except in 2007 I installed a trailer hitch/tow package but didn't have any problems with it nor have I towed anything in awhile.
Dec 28, 2009 at 10:21 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Trailer wiring has probably grounded check it out.

Here's a guide on using a voltmeter to check for continuity to ground

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Attached below is the wiring diagram for the exterior lights. It sounds like you already pretty much know whats on the circuit, but this will show you where what goes so you can test it all out
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Dec 29, 2009 at 12:35 PM
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KC1981423
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Thanks for your reply docfixit. I will check that out. I have now consistantly blown the 15amp fuse in location # 6 (Center High-Mounted Stop lamp, Stop lamps, PCM, Anti-lock Brake System, Speed control, Brake On-Off switch) everytime I drive the car. It has no brake lights, however now I dont have a left turn signal, but the right turn signal still works fine even with the 15amp fuse being blown.

Does this sound more and more like my trailer hitch / towing package that was installed in 2007 by pep boys wiring is bad and has grounded causing the fuse to blow or is it possible that a relay fuse is bad? Thanks for your help.
Dec 29, 2009 at 8:42 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Yes eliminate that and then can diagnose
Dec 30, 2009 at 11:38 AM
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JANTHEOS
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Thanks Doc, The trailer wiring was shorted, removed it all and no more blown fuses
Dec 19, 2018 at 6:27 PM