check the brake light switch
If the ((ABS)) Light is on then it's a good thing indicating that the Antilock brakes sensor is in good condition. I too have a 2002 mountaineer
Under the brake pedal is a brake light switch that when you press the pedal it hits it and makes your lights come on..sometimes when they get weak the pedal depresses them simply from the weight of the pedal and they stay on..Have a friend get inside the truck and pull UP on the brake pedal as you look at the lights..if the brake lights go off when they pull up on it..then it is that switch under the brake pedal
Probably a brake light switch.
check brake light fuse and brake light switch on pedal
1 of 3 reasons why, your head lights are on, your reflector lights are on ,or your brake sensor is broken
== ==
Brake lights could stay on in a 1999 Dodge Stratus because of a short in the wiring. If the headlamps are off and the brake lights are still on, check the wiring for the brake lights that is inside the trunk. Sometimes cargo in the trunk can interfere with the lights.
If the brake lights stay on that probably means the switch on the brake pedal that activates them is defective.
Bad brake switch
The brake relay switch is bad.
Adjust the brake switch which is above the brake pedal.
the brake lights are on a separate cuircut,if your brake lights are staying then it will be a fault with the brake light switch. the switch is located under dash,and will be on or very close to brake pedal.