Brake Light Switch problems of the 2004 Ford Taurus

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the brake lamps illuminated when the brake pedal was not depressed. In addition, the contact had difficultly shifting the vehicle out of park. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the stop lamp switch and associated wire assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 04v106000 (exterior lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

The brake lights were on continuously, even when vehicle was parked with key out of ignition. Upon further analysis, it was determined that the brake switch, attached to the brake pedal, was shorted in the closed position. I removed the switch, pried the yellow cover off to the view inside. The contacts were closed. I then forced the switch to open, not sure if the points were fused together or if the plastic housing was jammed preventing the switch from opening. I sanded the contact and reinstalled. . . The fix worked. I went to the dealership to purchase a replacement only to find out the design has changed and there is a whole kit required to replace the switch.

Independent shop had already fixed NHTSA recall 04v106000. Consumer sent the original invoice to the manufacturer, but manufacturer refused to reimburse consumer's expenses because recall repairs were not done at a Ford dealership.