Why don't brake lights work on a 99 Lincoln town car?

Answer 1

Do you have running lights and four way flashers? Make sure the flasher is off, for it could cancel the signal to your brakes. Assuming just the brakes are out check your owner's manual and:
1. check the fuse for the brakes (fuse box is under the dash to the left of the steering column).
2. then check the bulbs, 3 per side, double filaments in each, replace bulbs/fuses as necessary.
3. There is also a brake light switch on the brake pedal. This switch may be defective if your brake light on the rear deck does not work as well. This switch is fairly inexpensive at Autozone or other (<$9)
4. Finally, the flasher switch on top of the steering column will affect your brake lights! My 1998 TC had the same problem (no brake or four way flasher/hazard light). This switch is part of the turn signal, dimmer, wiper control, and is called a multi function switch. The contacts get dirty and interfere with the switch causing your brake lights to not work. Go to a hardware store or Walmart and buy some electrical contact cleaner for $5 and spray into the flasher switch. Work the switch up and down for a minute or so. I had to spray mine a second time over the course of a few days, but this solved my problem.
The above are inexpensive repairs and most anyone could perform them -- beyond these suggestions you could have a bad multi function switch, broken wire, or ground and would need a more skilled repairman. Good luck.