Bad fuse, or brake light switch
The wiring to the brake lights are postioned badly right under the tilt steering mechanism...using the tilt steering will eventually cut the wire...i had the same problem in my '01 Sport...in my opinion, it should have been a recall but i researched and it wasn't listed...hope this helps
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The brake lights and tail lights are separate wiring systems. Even some of the bulbs may have two separate bulbs in the same glass housing. If the bulbs are in fact working, then the next step would be to test the brake switch under the dash. When you depress the brake pedal the switch is pushed creating a connection to turn on the brake lights.
If the bulbs and fuses are fine, it must be your brake light switch attached to the arm on your brake pedal.
Did you check the switch on the brake pedal assembly?
Check the bulbs - they are double filamented- smaller for stop and larger for tailights
What year is the Ford Explorer ? There could be a separate fuse for the lower brake lights
I hate to ask , but did you check the bulbs ? The tail light portion may work fine , but the brake lights don't if both of the bulbs are bad .
on some cars the tail lights and brake lights are totally different bulbs gain access to the bulbs and have someone push the brakes so that you can determine which bulbs are the brake lights and replace the tail lights
AnswerThe bulbs for the brake lights are usually separate from the normal tail light bulbs. Check and replace the brake bulbs first, and if they are still not working examine the fuses, switch and wiring.
Could be, a blown fuse, burned out bulbs, bad brake light switch, or an improperly installed brake light switch.
Check bulbs Check sockets for Hot and Ground Check fuse Check brake light switch
If the brake lights are not coming on in your car and you have changed the bulbs and the fuses with no results, you could also check the wiring in your '98 Chevrolet Lumina. The wires may be damaged or even broken.