2001 Ford Mustang brake light sensor

SHARKBITE1315

MEMBER
2001 FORD MUSTANG
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
136,000 MILES

I purchased my car yesterday and noticed the brake lights were not working and I went to the parts store and was told to set the cruise and then press the brake and if it did not disengage the cruise control then it was the brake light sensor. Well this was the case and I bought the part. When I went to replace it I noticed there was a female end not connected so I connected it to the original brake light sensor and the brake lights now worked. However when I put the key in the ignition and pressed in the clutch so I could crank the car the clutch engaged the starter and started the car like I was turning the key which I was not. I have no idea what this could be please help!

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 AT 8:15 PM

2 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

It sounds like whoever you bought this vehicle off of knew about this issue, which is why the brake light switch was unplugged. There is obviously a short in the wiring somewhere. You may want to go back to the previous owner and talk to them about. Otherwise, you will have to use a meter and test the wiring to the switch.

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Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 AT 8:23 PM

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

You need to check the ignition switch is not faulty ? it must be supplying a hot feed to clutch pedal position switch at all times .. so when you put your foot on the clutch it completes the connection to starter relay and then starter motor .. ?

IGNITION SWITCH
Disconnect ignition switch harness connector. With ignition switch in appropriate position, check continuity between specified terminals. See IGNITION SWITCH CONTINUITY table. See Fig. 7 . If continuity is not as specified, replace ignition switch. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
IGNITION SWITCH CONTINUITY
Switch Position........Continuity Between Terminals
Accessory...........................A1 & B5
Run..............................A1 & B1; A2 & B2;
................................ A3 &.B3; A4 & B4; B5 & I1
Start..............................B4 & STA; B5 & I1