Rear brake lights not stopped working

2004 FORD TAURUS
185,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WADE HALL
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I changed the battery in my car and the brake lights on the fender on both side stopped working. The turn signal works, the running lights work, and the middle brake light works. Any ideas would be appreciated. Checked fuse and it is good.
May 6, 2019 at 6:33 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

Did you check for power to the brake lights at the rear? I highlighted the wires for you to check for power with the brake pedal depressed.

Roy
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May 6, 2019 at 8:15 AM
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WADE HALL
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No, I haven't the tools to check that. But I am sure no power is getting to them.
May 6, 2019 at 10:07 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You need to verify. If you have a third brake light, then you have power through the switch and the same wire that feeds the third light feeds both rear brake lights as highlighted in the diagram.

Roy
May 6, 2019 at 10:11 AM
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WADE HALL
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Yes, there is a third light that is built into the fin on the trunk. It works fine but the other two do not.
May 6, 2019 at 11:59 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay. As I said you need to verify power to the rear lights socket with a volt meter.

Roy
May 6, 2019 at 1:07 PM
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WADE HALL
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I will try.
May 6, 2019 at 2:25 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds like a plan. Please let me know the results.

Roy
May 6, 2019 at 4:32 PM