Brake light will not turn off - have a mercury mystique?

Question

I have removed the brake switch and the brake lights remain on when sitch disconnected altogether. would I look anywhere other than the multi-switch in the steering column for the short.?

Answer 1

Is it the actual brake lights, or the dim lights that come on with your headlights? It sounds like it could be two things. Either it's a short in the wire somewhere, or you've got a bad relay. I'd start with the relay, since shorts are rare. Both Mercury and Chrystler are known for bad relays in semi-older vehicles. Find the relay for your tail lights, and replace it. They're only $4, so if that's not the problem, you've at least eliminated that. Next thing you'll need to do is hunt down a short. There are some skills involved in doing that, but you can do it. Try the relay, then get back to me.

Answer 2

Are you sure you pulled the right switch? I have a hard time believing that the brake lights are still on with it removed. Is the center light on as well?

Also, what you describe is not a short. A short would blow a fuse.

There may be more than one switch on the pedal- for cruise control disconnect, shift interlock... Ford always has better ideas.

Answer 3

Found this on the internet. I dont know if it will help

You have a bad brake switch. Not only does it kill the battery but it will also prevent your torque converter from going into lock-up mode and will fry your transmission. The brake switch is located up high on the brake pedal. If you had supplied me with the year and model, I would have happily giving you the part number. Easy enough to purchase this switch and it shouldn't be expensive. Less than $50. Takes about 10 minutes to install.

Answer 4

get yourself one of those meter readers and check along the lines to see where there is a short.
maybe a fuse is dead?