2002 Focus 3rd Brake light (Does not work) HELP!!!

[pdallard]

Thank everyone for this forum.!!! My Girlfriend has an 2002 Ford Focus 2/dr hatch-back. It has the std. rear brake lights plus the third brake light in the middle over the hatch-back. The std two lights work fine when engauged but the middle light does not. I removed the cover which contains 5-6 bulbs and unplugged it. I then tested the female end and there were no amps. She stopped by a garage and he said all she needed was the new metal part that holds the bulbs and the wiring. Another garage wants to charge me so much an hr to trace the problem that could lead to 1-3 hrs @ 30.00 per hr. I was just curious if there was an in-line fuse that needed to be replaced. I checked the fuse box itself and all seems ok there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Paul

[Mjasinski]

the wires that run into the actual hatch have most likely worn though....try pulling up that dust boot and taking a look at them...this seems to be a common problem for people, although i have never had it happen too me.

and welcome!

[pdallard]

Thank you Mjasinski,

I will look at that today to see if that may be the problem. I'm assuming I need to pull new wires or maybe just cut and scab onto the originals with new wire?

I will get back as soon as I know more-

Thank you again for your assistance,

Paul

[GapBoyPCS]

Here's a post regarding the matter: http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-...ey-hazard.html

My dealership did the same thing - replace the wires where the plastic insulation had cracked allowing wires to rub together (and thus short out bulbs, etc).

I would recommend at least keeping the paperwork, in case this matter escalates to a service campaign.