1996 Ford Windstar Logo
Anonymous Posted on Oct 30, 2010

Hi, I have a 96 windstar. One of the wires on the brake light switch down at the brake pedal has broke at the plug and then when I went to repair it touched the steering bar and sparks flew. Once I repaired the wire I still had no brake lights and couldnt shift out of park. I then checked all the fuses and changed two blown ones, I dont know what they were because the cover is missing and none of the fuses are marked. But still same problem. I then checked the power to switch and there is none. I ran a live jumper to switch but still nothing. Is there an inline fuse somewhere? Does this run through a relay ? Im stumped. any ideas? its sitting at the mall parking lot right now ! HELP

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gerry bissi

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  • Ford Master 4,390 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 30, 2010
gerry bissi
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Joined: Jan 07, 2009
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Fuse #7 - 15 amp , Fuse #21 - 10 amp.

Maybe you blew solid state module. There is a manual bypass.

Shift Interlock System A shift interlock mechanism prevents shifting the transaxle out of the PARK position unless the brake pedal (2455) is applied. The shift lock actuator is energized when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position.

  • This locks the shifter in the PARK position.
  • When the brake pedal is applied and the stoplight switch (13480) is activated, the shift lock actuator is deactivated and the shifter can be moved out of the PARK position.
-----------------------------------------------------
  • Shift Interlock System Does Not Release or Lock Properly
  • Fuse.
  • Circuit.
  • Shift lock actuator.
  • Gearshift lever adjustment.
  • Stoplight switch.

----------------------------------------------------------

Hi, I have a 96 windstar. One of the wires on the - 1c38cb8.gif

Testimonial: " Thank you for the help when I needed the most. I managed to get my van home and saved it from being towed. Thank you."

  • 6 more comments 
  • gerry bissi Oct 30, 2010

    bypass - start engine for 30 seconds. shut off engine. set park brake. turn key to OFF (first position). step on brake, shift to neutral.
    start car and drive.

    repeat after shifting to park again if necessary.

  • gerry bissi Oct 30, 2010

    before changing anything, which color wire did you short to ground? Was the key on when this happened? Where are you checking for 12 volts? The shift lock solenoid is on the steering column. not an easy job.
    The reason the bypass works is because, with the key in the off position (first position), the shift lock solenoid is not energized and does not lock the shifter in park. So, you cAn step on the brake and shift to neutral and start and use the car.
    report answers before doing anything.

  • gerry bissi Oct 30, 2010

    forgot to ask, did bypass work for you? Do brake lights work? You may have damaged the brake pedal switch. That switch activates the brake lights and deavtivates the shift lock solenoid.

  • gerry bissi Nov 01, 2010

    Fuse 21, 10 amp, red is for the shift lock actuator and the cluster lights. Check it again. Also go to Motorcarft.com, pro center, technical info and owner manual & see fuse panel chart.



    Also, please rate highly if htis helps.




  • gerry bissi Nov 04, 2010

    what did you find?

  • gerry bissi Nov 09, 2010

    It would be nice if you could rate this help. It's a matter of courtesy to the members of this site who provide free help.

  • gerry bissi Nov 11, 2010

    No problem. Did you find the cause yet? I'm still thinking it's a fuse.



    The way the system works is, when you turn the key to "ON", it energizes the shift lock solenoid, which prevents the shift lever from moving.

    When you step on the brake, you de-energize (turn off) the solenoid, allowing the shift lever to move.

    The emergency bypass works because you haven't energized the solenoid, because you did not turn the key to "ON"



    Do your brake lights work? If yes, the switch is ok in the pedal.

  • gerry bissi Nov 15, 2010

    The interior lights go on with the headlamp switch or when a door or liftgate is opened. Check to make sure your headlamp switch is not turned on for the interior lights.



    Headlamp Switch



    The headlamp switch (11654) is a three-position switch.

        The positions include OFF, PARK and HEAD.
          The headlamp switch includes an integral 20-amp circuit breaker which opens if the current through the circuit breaker exceeds its rating.
            With the headlamp switch in the PARK position (first detent), power is supplied to the front parking lamps (13200), the rear lamps (13404), the rear side marker lamps, the license lamps and instrument panel illumination. Ground is provided to these lamps (13550) through Circuit 57 (BK).
              With the headlamp switch in the HEAD position, power is supplied to the multi-function switch (13K359) as outlined under Headlamps .


    Panel Dim Switch

    The instrument panel lamp circuit is routed through a light switch rheostat resistor (11691) on the thumbwheel.

        Rotating the thumbwheel control knob varies illumination from dim to full-bright.
          Rotating the thumbwheel past the detent at full-bright turns on the dome lamp.


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Headlamp Switch




    Removal and Installation



        Disconnect battery ground cable (14301). Refer to Section 14-01 .



        Pull off headlamp switch knob.



        Remove left instrument panel finish panel (04338). Refer to Section 01-12 .



        Remove two screws retaining headlamp switch (11654) to instrument panel (04320).



        Disconnect main wiring (14401) connector and remove switch.



        To install, reverse Removal procedure. Tighten screws to 2-3 Nm (18-27 lb-in).


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