1998 mercury villager back brake lights do not work. New bulbs and fuse did not fix the problem.

It isn't unknown for both bulbs to fail at the same time. Other possibilities are fuse, switch or wiring.

this is either a bad bulb or a bad ground. Change brake bulb & check socket too.

go to villager-quest yahoo group for more help

check brake switch on brake pedal arm.

go to yahoo group for villager-quest owners for help

it's the socket that's bad. Some were recalled. Call a dealer with VIN number and have him check for recalls

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/

easy one this ....... check all the earth/ground wiring to the car chassis.

There may be an adjustment on the switch, not sure, but hope it helps a little

go here for help. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/

Brake light circuit goes through turn signal switch. Do turn signals work ok? Does high mount stop lamp do this too? If you disconnect brake switch, do the lights go off? Do you have trailer tow? Maybe that wire is an issue. I would check brake switch first again. Maybe out of position.

I think you need to adjust the switch.

Installation

1. Install the BPP switch.
   

1. Adjust the BPP switch. Refer to the procedure in this section.
   

1. Tighten the BPP switch locknut to 12-15 Nm (9-11 lb-ft).
   

1. Connect the BPP switch electrical connector.
   

1. Connect the battery ground cable.
   

Section 17-01: Lighting, Exterior 1998 Villager Workshop Manual
ADJUSTMENTS Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Switch

1. Measure the distance between the brake pedal stopper and the threaded end of the brake pedal position (BPP) switch. The BPP switch height (A) should be 0.3-1.0mm (0.012-0.039 inch).

1. If the BPP switch height is not within specification, loosen the BPP switch locknut.
   

1. Adjust the BPP switch until the height is within specifications.
   

1. Tighten the BPP switch locknut to 12-15 Nm (9-11 lb-ft).
   

STOPLAMPS Condition Possible Source Action

• Stoplamps/Rear Hi-Mount Lamp Inoperative

• Fuse.
• Circuit.
• Brake pedal position (BPP) switch.

• GO to Pinpoint Test Step K1 .

• One or More Stoplamps Inoperative

• Stoplamp bulb(s).
• Circuit.

• GO to Pinpoint Test Step L1 .

• Stoplamps/Rear Hi-Mount Lamp On Continuously

• BPP switch.

• REPLACE the BPP switch.

If you have checked all your fuses and the brake light bulbs are good then the brake light switch might be bad, it should be located on a bracket at the top of the brake pedal. when you press on the brake pedal it pushes this switch in to activate the brake light's.

are you reolaicng the high mount stop light bulbs or the tailamp bulbs?
Access for the tailalmp bulbs is by removing the plastic access apnels on each side (4 inches x 10 inches). The twist the wire connector about a 1/4 turn to release the connector from the lamp body. Then repalce the bulb. Some are pull out, some are twist & pull. I think it is #1157.

on the inside of right rear and left rear interior panels should be two doors that you open and you can get to the bulbs.