Questions and Answers

Ford Escort Wagon Brake Lights Q. Dear Sir: I have a 1991 Ford Escort wagon. Yesterday while driving home, my dash and tail lights fuse burnt out, I replaced it. A little while later the brake light in the back window came on when I turned the headlights on, so I disconnected it. Now when I push on the brake pedal (when the car is not turned on) the running lights and dash lights come on (as well as the brake lights).

If I have the door opened at the same time, the dinging signal (of the lights being left on) goes on. Can you give me some recommendations of what to do? I've had this car for two years, but haven't had any problems at all with it.

Thanks for any help,
Marcia

A. Well, it goes without saying you have a short circuit somewhere. First thing I would do is check ALL the fuses in the fuse boxes. It's possible blew another fuse and now you're getting some feedback.

The next thing to do would be to take out all the light bulbs to eliminate the possibility of a shorted out bulb. Make sure they are the correct type also. Check the wiring around the tail light assembles. That's the most likely place a short will occur.

Other than that you'll need to dig out the wiring diagram and track down the wiring.