Backup Light Troubleshooting

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   CJGraceposted 11 years ago

   Hi everyone! I am having a very frustrating problem. My friend has a '99 Mercury Sable Wagon, where the brake lights and the backup lights went out.  The tail lights on the side work.  So far, I replaced the fuses...issue not solved.  I replaced the bulbs...issued not solved.  I replaced the brake light switch...issued not solved.  Does anyone have any suggesstions, ideas, or answers?  Please help! I'm frustrated! I will add photos and video of everything I've on my Hub.  Thanks

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   1. 59

      Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      There are also relays for some of these functions.  They may be found in a separate compartment under the hood.  Check the owner's manual.  The back-up lights are triggered to come on by a switch in the transmission, so this too could be the culprit.  Good luck! 

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      1. 71

         CJGraceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Ohhhh! A switch in the transmission. Hope it's just one of the relays!  Thanks for your help. I posted a video on my hub on the steps I've taken, in hopes that someone can get an idea of what I've all done, or if I did it all correctly.

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      2. 71

         CJGraceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I may have forgotten to mention this, but the side brake lights work.  Also, back in August, the alternator burned out. The internal regulator had to be replaced.  Would have been wiser to just buy a new one! Anyway, when the alternator burned out, the nut that connects the wire fried off, and the wire is burned as well.  We have also been having trouble with keep a charge in the battery.  Nothing is on, yet the batter will not hold a charge.  The battery was purchased in July.  Could the battery have anything to do with the brakelight issue, or the problem causing the battery problem?

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         1. 59

            Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I doubt the battery is at fault as far as the reverse lights are concerned.  However, I suspect the battery has a dead cell in it if the alternator is operating correctly.  There may be a switch on the shifter which may be at fault as it signals the reverse lights to come on during the reverse selection.  It may make a difference whether the shifter is on the steering wheel or in the console.
            
            You can probably find this info online for your particular vehicle as well as similar problems others have had with the same model auto.  Usually this is indeed the case.

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2. 59

   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   My best guess. A disconnected or corroded main wire. Or an oxidized connector.

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   1. 71

      CJGraceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you.  I guess my work isn't done yet!  Man I have done so many steps to find something...anything, I'm exhausted and totally frustrated!
      Again, thanks for your help, I'll check further.

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