1997 Ford Escort Ford Escort brake light switch problem

Tiny
VAINDIOUX
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,000 MILES
I

I own a Ford Escort 1997, a little over 2 months ago the car wouldn't go into gear, so I went to auto zone and asked if they had a clue what could be doing that.
The guy said it sounds like the brake light switch, sold me a new part for $10 and explained with a printout how to replace it.
Well I am car challenged but I always give a shot at fixing things that appear simple first prior to hire pros, and I did get my new brake light switch in there and the car went into gear.
I drove the car with no problems for 2 months and then the part broke and the car wouldn't go into gear again.
I bought another switch put it in there again and this time I try to adjust it the best I could as I figure I placed the one that broke too close to the brake pedal and it wore out quickly.
Well it worked for 2 weeks and now it just failed again and the car won't go into gear again.
What am I doing wrong guys? Is there a trick or anything that I don't know?
The part just screws in the hole provided for it, it is so easy, but why does it break every time?
One more thing the 2 parts I got at autozone look slightly different than my original part, could that be it, could it be the part that is wrong even if autozone says that is the one for an Escort 1997?
If all else fails it will go in the shop next week.

Thanks for your time

Patrick
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Saturday, August 30th, 2008 AT 9:16 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Well I would check the connection terminal
inspect the pins and the wire
move the harness around and check if things start working again and if so wiring problem !
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Sunday, August 31st, 2008 AT 5:44 AM
Tiny
VAINDIOUX
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  • 7 POSTS
Hi

I appreciate the help, I think to check the wiring is beyond my scope. I will have to bring it to the shop.
Nothing look weird to my untrained eye.
Someone mentioned to get a real switch from Ford and not one from autozone.

Thanks so much for the help.

Patrick
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Sunday, August 31st, 2008 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Its not working know !

OK wiggle the harness around the switch if lights works then its a possible wiring issue if not
I will still try one from ford
good luck
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Sunday, August 31st, 2008 AT 10:40 PM
Tiny
VAINDIOUX
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi

I purchased a new part (Crafsman) but now the old one is holding on fine so until it breaks down for good I won't replace it.
I don't know why it acted up a couple of times.

Thanks again

Patrick
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Monday, September 15th, 2008 AT 7:33 AM

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