Tail lights

Tiny
DELCODUDE201
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 180,000 MILES
My left rear tail light is out. This bulb is a two filament that lights the tail light and the brake light. The brake light on both sides light when the brakes are applied. I have replaced the bulb and also switched the bulb with the working right side. The bulb works on both tail light and brake light when moved to the right side. I have also switched the module plug that the bulb plugs into and it too works on the right side. I have tested the connection at the plug and both plugs are getting 12 volts when the lights are on with one wire each and two when the brakes are applied and the lights are on. I am stumped. Could it be a bad ground? If so, where would I look for that? Please Help Me ! My wife is driving me crazy. She's afraid to have that last beer when she's out with her friends for fear of getting puled over. :)
Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 AT 7:07 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So the left brake light is inop or the left running light that comes on when you turn your head lights is inop?

Here is a great guide to help fix the problem

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/no-tail-lights-exterior-running-lights-tail-lights-out

Please let us know happens so it will help others.
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Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 AT 7:15 AM
Tiny
DELCODUDE201
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Please revisit my question. The first words are "My left tail light is out" I think I made it clear that the brake lights work. If you would please re-read my original question it explains what I have done to resolve the issue of having only right side tail lights and two working brake lights. Sorry for being pissy. I know you have to deal with hundreds of one a be's like me every day.
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Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 AT 7:33 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I have a crappy wire diagram it shows the red wire with a yellow stripe has power to the left rear brake/running light?Then it shows a dark blue wire with a yellow stripe?Then last a white wire with a red stripe?Those are coming from the rear electronic module. Those should be ground signal to turn on each element. With your running lights on see which wire is a ground signal between the two wires from the rear electronic module?Also please don't get pissy because don't do that to people asking questions even when they really frustrate me.
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Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 AT 2:14 PM
Tiny
DELCODUDE201
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Dear Saturntech9, I apologize.I need you, WAY more than you need me. I'll check the grounds tomorrow. Have you ever run across this problem before? I guess that once I determine which wire is the ground I could cut it and ground it to the body. What do you think? Thanks, Bruce
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Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
No you can't because the module is the ground control to turn the light on. If you ground the light it will never turn off. Usually there is a constant ground and power is the trigger to turn the light on. Yours has a constant power to the light and uses a ground to turn the lights on thru the module. Problem is those modules do go bad not a fan of them. Also check and see if one of those wires from the module supplies a ground when stepping on the brakes. No worries on the pisssyness I have been chewed out far worse on here by someone on here having a bad day a hazard of the job lol.
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Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
DELCODUDE201
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  • 5 POSTS
Ok, got it. Can I replace that module or swap it with the right side to confirm it's defective? And, where is it located? Thanks
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 6:27 AM
Tiny
DELCODUDE201
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Saturntech9, Update, Upon further investigation the electrical system is confused and it has to be electronic. I did not notice that the right side brake light does not work and the left side with no tail light does when the brakes are applied. When testing the wires I go from one side having one o three hot to all three hot on the left and only one on the right. The owners manual does not clearly explain anything but the left and right fuse positions. How could this be a fuse with 12 volts on both sides? Bruce
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 8:17 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If the left brake light works there has to be a ground to make the left brake like light up. Are you testing it with the bulb out?Also please rewrite what you found its kinda of confusing the way you write it. Also are the wire colors correct the way I said they were?
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 9:03 AM
Tiny
DWILK2011
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have the same problem with my 1999 windstar SEL. Power to the lamp is good. I believe its the REM. Do you know where that is located?

Thanks
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Saturday, September 19th, 2015 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
STEEEVE
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  • 11 POSTS
Can you tell me where the rear control module is located on a 1999 windstar?
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Saturday, September 26th, 2015 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
STEEEVE
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Have similar problem, need to know where the rear electronic control module is located.
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Saturday, September 26th, 2015 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
WINDSTAR7
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hey guys, just wanted to say "Thanks" for giving me some answers. And, I'd like to answer the question. The Rear Electronic Module is located behind the jack in the back panel. You'll need a metric 8 (or 7 can't recall) to remove the jack bracket. And a metric 10 to unbolt the module. My module has 5 plugs going into it. I've been having the same problems with my ford SE windstar (3.8L). Left tail running light is inop, but brake light works. And, the erratic lock actuators and dome lights. I ordered the REM on ebay today ($90), hope it solves a problem my mechanic has not had time to solve even though had the van in the shop for 2 days. Good thing he wasn't going to charge till repaired. Now I have some of his diagnostic free of charge. Thanks again.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2015 AT 11:31 PM

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