Why won't my brake lights and turn signals work on my 94 Lincoln Continental?

Question

I've checked all the fuses and bulbs. I've also replaced the brake light switch. When the headlights are on, the front turn signals will just stay on and nothing will come on in the rear.

None of the relays (has a clear window in the top to check to see if they're blown) seem to be malfunctioning. What kind of "switches" am I looking for under the dash?

I have checked all accessible fuses and relays.

Answer 1

Here's another suggestion: check the hazard/turn/brake switch in the steering column. You probably never notice the hazard problem since you don't use it much.

In my 96 Contour, the hazard went out, but the turn signal still works. Then the turn signals AND the brake lights went out together (except the middle one). My mechanic checked the wiring diagram and pulled the steering column open, and pulled out the "wedge" thing that controls everything. It's about $150. I suspect you ran into something similar.

Answer 2

Relays don't 'blow' which is why they don't have a clear window. Fuses blow, and sometimes do have a clear window. No relay affects brake lights or turn signals. With only the front lights coming on, there isn't enough draw in the circuit without the brake lights to run flasher. If the bulbs and fuses are all good, the only other possibility would be a broken wire somewhere in the wiring harness going to the brake light circuit. Best checked in a good repair shop rather than trying to guess at home. Quit throwing money at it replacing things that probably were okay to begin with, and take it in.

Answer 3

Your are looking at a web of cables, switches, and relays like someone else said.

Well, if nothing else, the break fluid pump has a switch that when a little old, it corrodes and causes for the amps to cross over.

Before spending $150.00 bucks, this is easier and cheaper to check and repair. Although the part can cost a few bucks because the switch must be replaced. If this happens to be the problem, you could end up paying an honest mechanic around $75 bucks for labor and parts.

Answer 4

I would have guessed the brake light switch, but since the third brake light is working, and I am assuming the bulbs aren't burnt (don't assume the bulb is the right one, try a replacement, they are cheap) It could be a electrical problem. Try the bulbs first and second, because getting an electrical problem diagnosed will be expensive.

Answer 5

All these circuits run through the multi-function switch,which is probably 12 yrs. old.Listen to what KaseyC. is saying.

Answer 6

pls check your relays. when the relay gets hot the tendency is to malfunction. try to replace it w/ a new one.

Answer 7

probably one of those many relays in black boxes under hood.
(right up top) try tapping them to find the bad one.

Answer 8

Have you checked the fuses????

Answer 9

take it ti a car fixer, tey will tell u in two sec