2000 Mercury Cougar Blown break fuse.

SHARPB1

MEMBER
2000 MERCURY COUGAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
114,000 MILES

I installed the European tail lights and had to adjust the wiring in the back. All of the wires are connected but I keep blowing the brake fuse. All of the lights work (running, turn signal, backup) but not the brake lights. They worked for a couple of times but blew the fuse later and every time I replace the fuse it breaks within a matter of seconds. What is causing this break?

4 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hello, does the fuse blow without stepping on the brakes? Maybe the new assembly has a higher amp draw? You might divide the brake system into three sections, high mount--right rear--left rear, check the amp draw on each section, separate from the others. Just a thought.

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Saturday, April 25th, 2009 AT 9:20 AM

SHARPB1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The tail lights have nothing to do with the wires. The wiring system is the exact same one I had before. All I did was cut the running light from my turn signal. The brake lights are fully connected. The car is stuck in park. I am thinking that it is under the shifter because when I hit the brakes, the shifter will not move. I have to manually move the piece to be able to move the shifter and drive the car.

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Saturday, April 25th, 2009 AT 9:25 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hi, I didn't see anything about the shifting issue in your first post, guess I missed it?

My info shows a brake pedal position switch, works off the same fuse as the brake lite switch.

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Saturday, April 25th, 2009 AT 8:54 PM

SHARPB1

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3 POSTS

Yes, that is true. The same fuse runs the brake lights and moves the lever under the shifter to get the car out of park. I can move that myself to get the car out of park and be able to drive. But I blow the fuse every time and the brake lights do not work. I am just going to get a new wiring set, start from scratch, and take it to a professional so see which wires I can move.

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Saturday, April 25th, 2009 AT 9:56 PM