Questions and Answers

Ford Mustang Wiring Problem Q. Hello, My fiancé and I own a 1996 Ford Mustang, automatic. Thursday night, we found that the car would not shift out of park. Further investigation found that the brake light wiring had damage. One of the wires connected to the harness which is attached to the brake pedal had burned off. The wire itself was burnt and there was green corrosion present.

We replace the wire connector and reattached the harness. The car functioned normally again. Last night, the problem returned and the wire is burnt again. Where should I begin looking for the root cause of this problem? Is this something I might be able to fix myself (I'm fairly comfortable working on cars and have some experience) or should I take it to a professional? Thank you for any assistance you can offer.

Karen

A. The green corrosion is bad. That creates a high resistance connection and that results in high heat and wire burning. I would replace the brake light switch (it's cheap and easy to replace) and put in a new connector. I would make sure the wire is nice and clean with no hint of corrosion. Also I would solder the new connector to the wire. That should take care of the connection problem.