How to Replace the Brake Light Switch on a 2001 Ford Windstar
by Allen Moore
The brake light switch on a 2001 Ford Windstar resides under the brake pedal and activates when you step on the brakes. When the switch turns on, it sends a signal to the brake lights on the rear of the minivan, which turns them on. If the switch malfunctions, you may have no brake lights at all, or in rare occurrences, the switch sticks closed and the brake lights won’t turn off. Either way, if you have some basic auto repair skills, you can change out the faulty switch in less than 30 minutes.
Step 1
Open the driver’s door and move the driver’s seat as far back as it will go. Climb in so that you can see up under the dash near the brake pedal.
Step 2
Shine the flashlight up behind the brake pedal arm to locate the brake switch.
Step 3
Unbolt the switch from the mounting bracket using the 13mm box wrench. Pull the switch out and disconnect the wiring harness from the switch by hand.
Step 4
Connect the wiring harness to the new switch and then bolt the switch to the mounting bracket. Test the contact between the switch and brake pedal arm by depressing the pedal to see where it contacts the switch.
Step 5
Adjust as necessary with the box wrench to make sure the pedal arm makes good contact with the switch throughout its travel. Have your helper watch the brake lights as you test them by depressing the brake pedal to make sure they function properly before driving the Windstar.
References
- "Ford Windstar & Freestar 1995 Thru 2007: Haynes Manual"; Ken Freund; 2007
Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- 13mm box wrench
- Helper
Writer Bio
Allen Moore's career includes awards in poetry and creative fiction, published lyrics, fiction books and nonfiction articles as well as a master certification in automotive service from the Ford Motor Company. Moore is a contributing writer for RF365.com and various other websites, a ghostwriter for Rainbow Writing and has over a dozen works of fiction currently in print.
