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fuse blows when push brake


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svfrolic
Novice

Sep 5, 2013, 4:02 PM

Post #1 of 10 (4460 views)
fuse blows when push brake Sign In

I've ford windstar 2002. It didn't wan't to shift and I discovered that fuse for brake shifter interlock is blown. replace the brake light switch. keeps blowing so I installed circuit breaker in place of fuse to see when it blows. It looks like it's blowing every time I push brake pedal even when ignition is off. Funny thing is that sometime it doesn't blow for a while then (when warms up?) it keeps blowing...
I would appreciate any suggestions.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Sep 5, 2013, 5:05 PM

Post #2 of 10 (4447 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In

Need to isolate the circuit to find out where the short to ground is. Best place to start is by unplugging the REM(rear electronics module) and then see if your circuit breaker still trips when you hit the brake pedal.


The REM is located behind the RH quarter trim panel.







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svfrolic
Novice

Sep 6, 2013, 4:55 AM

Post #3 of 10 (4418 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In

Thanks! I'll try that today. Hopefully I can find this short.


svfrolic
Novice

Sep 6, 2013, 6:12 PM

Post #4 of 10 (4403 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In

So I was going to get to REM today but the problem was that whatever I tried I couldn't make this fuse to blow first... so there was no point to unplug anything. That is the problem with this short that it comes and goes...
In meantime I opened the hood and noticed that plug on brake pressure deactivation switch (this one on master cylinder) is wet from brake fluid. I wonder if that might cause the short...? ( but I thought it is on different fuse)


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 7, 2013, 7:20 AM

Post #5 of 10 (4395 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In

Is the recall for the cruise control deactivation switch done on this? You can tell because they would have installed a fused jumper harness with a blue sticker.

If not, the first thing that you need to do is unplug that switch that is leaking on the master. Then call your local dealer and schedule an appointment to have the recall done.

If you don't do the recall and leave the switch plugged in, it can start a fire.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


svfrolic
Novice

Sep 7, 2013, 8:12 AM

Post #6 of 10 (4386 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In


In Reply To
Is the recall for the cruise control deactivation switch done on this? You can tell because they would have installed a fused jumper harness with a blue sticker.

No, I don't think it was done. Would it apply even if it doesn't have cruise control? Maybe I got the part name wrong. I can upload picture later. It is a little plug with wire attached on the bottom front part of MC.
BTW no fuse problems this morning...


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 7, 2013, 8:24 AM

Post #7 of 10 (4383 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In




If it is plugged in, unplug the connector. Right now.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


svfrolic
Novice

Sep 7, 2013, 9:12 AM

Post #8 of 10 (4379 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In

Yes, that is this thing. I'll unplug it. So what does it do when I don't have cruise control (besides creating fire hazard and possibly shorting out)? Can I drive when it is unplugged?


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 7, 2013, 9:39 AM

Post #9 of 10 (4376 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In

You can drive it with that unplugged. The only problem is the ABS system might not activate or be deactivated.

The switch is used by the cruise control module (which yours doesn't have) and the ABS computer to sense if you are pressing on the brake pedal.

The fuse for the stop light circuit isn't used by the pedal pressure switch. That is on a different fuse.

Honestly I would rather not have ABS, until you get the jumper harness installed and the switch replaced, than to have the house burn to the ground because it caught fire in the garage.

I've seen personally what happens when one of those shorts out and it ain't no BS either.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 7, 2013, 9:40 AM)


svfrolic
Novice

Sep 7, 2013, 9:51 AM

Post #10 of 10 (4372 views)
Re: fuse blows when push brake Sign In

I am glad I've found it. I'll keep it unplugged and check if ford still does this recall (I don't know if there is time to do it) or fix it myself.
Luckily my garage is full of junk and I park it on the street :-)
I am not sure if it is a separate problem or it is related to my original issue with blowing fuse#11 and shifter interlock/stop lights ...






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