Brake Light Delay (to turn off)?

[PortlandME]

I've noticed that my brake lights do not turn off immediately upon releasing the brake pedal. There isn't a huge delay, but it's definitely noticeable... the lights stay on for maybe half a second to a second after the brakes are released. Before going to my dealer, I wanted to see if this was "normal" behavior. Appreciate if someone could let me know if they have the same delay. Thanks!

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[gte105u]

Why would this be a problem? Maybe it's a safety feature. Maybe it's just a lag. But how could it hurt for the brake light to stay on a brief moment after you release the pedal? Dealers are overloaded with legitimate repairs, why waste their time with this?

 

[PortlandME]

Why would this be a problem? Maybe it's a safety feature. Maybe it's just a lag. But how could it hurt for the brake light to stay on a brief moment after you release the pedal? Dealers are overloaded with legitimate repairs, why waste their time with this?

Thanks for the unhelpful response..

Maybe I'll be at the dealer anyway for a different issue.
Maybe it isn't a safety feature? Maybe they should stay illuminated all the time - how could it hurt?
Maybe I don't want a lag if there isn't supposed to be one?
Maybe I'll wait for someone else to respond.

 

[fossil]

maybe you could explain why the half second delay is a problem.
the brake switch is activated in the first little bit of pedal movement so it deactivates in the last little bit. try side stepping the pedal and see of that changes the timing.

 

[PortlandME]

maybe you could explain why the half second delay is a problem.
the brake switch is activated in the first little bit of pedal movement so it deactivates in the last little bit. try side stepping the pedal and see of that changes the timing.

I actually have no idea if it’s a problem… hence my request to understand if it’s normal and if others have the delay or not. I checked my other non-ford vehicle and the light comes off instantly.

I guess one concern would be if it’s a sticky switch the delay may get worse or get stuck in the permanent on position which I hope we can all agree is a serious safety issue?

Not sure what you mean by side-stepping. I tried depressing the pedal a little bit and all the way down and the delay is present either way.

 

[Speed2000]

Mine go off before the pedal is all the way released when slowly lifting the pedal. If i stop it and instantly let my foot off, it takes a moment for the pressure in the hydraulics to let the pedal come up far enough to get to the sensor that makes the lights to switch off.

I dont think its an issue you want a dealer to look at. As gte said, dealers are swamped with real work and this isn't an issue. You will eventually need real repairs so you don't want your service advisor thinking "Not this guy again"

 

[PortlandME]

Mine go off before the pedal is all the way released when slowly lifting the pedal. If i stop it and instantly let my foot off, it takes a moment for the pressure in the hydraulics to let the pedal come up far enough to get to the sensor that makes the lights to switch off.

I dont think its an issue you want a dealer to look at. As gte said, dealers are swamped with real work and this isn't an issue. You will eventually need real repairs so you don't want your service advisor thinking "Not this guy again"

Appreciate the response. I'm talking about a delay after the pedal is fully up. I understand what you're saying, and that's why I cam here before talking to the dealer to see if this is an issue or if it's working as designed.

 

[Darnon]

Do you happen to have an EcoBoost with 4k towing?

 

[PortlandME]

Do you happen to have an EcoBoost with 4k towing?

Yes, that's precisely what I have. I've had the trailer brake recall performed as well.

 

[Darnon]

Yes, that's precisely what I have. I've had the trailer brake recall performed as well.

There's another, more recent one about the brake lights staying on.

Glad I bought the hybrid.

 

[PortlandME]

There's another, more recent one about the brake lights staying on.

Glad I bought the hybrid.

Interesting! Thanks for sharing! I'm not showing any recalls in my Fordpass account, but perhaps it hasn't been updated yet since the recall is so new. That recall seems to relate to the lights turning on without applying the brakes, but I wonder if the update to the ABS software would address this delay I'm seeing as well.

Looks like I'll need to head to the dealer either way for the recall... unless it's recommended here that I just ignore the recall since the dealers are so busy with "real work" and "legitimate repairs".

 

[gte105u]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing! I'm not showing any recalls in my Fordpass account, but perhaps it hasn't been updated yet since the recall is so new. That recall seems to relate to the lights turning on without applying the brakes, but I wonder if the update to the ABS software would address this delay I'm seeing as well.

Looks like I'll need to head to the dealer either way for the recall... unless it's recommended here that I just ignore the recall since the dealers are so busy with "real work" and "legitimate repairs".

Do you have a recall? Or are you the bane of repair shops, the internet sleuth doing diagnostics. Run your truck in if there is a repair or recall, that's legit. Run it in saying the brake light stays on a fraction of a second longer than you expected... See them roll their eyes... See them return it with a non issue note... See them note your file and never take you seriously again...

 

[PortlandME]

Do you have a recall? Or are you the bane of repair shops, the internet sleuth doing diagnostics. Run your truck in if there is a repair or recall, that's legit. Run it in saying the brake light stays on a fraction of a second longer than you expected... See them roll their eyes... See them return it with a non issue note... See them note your file and never take you seriously again...

Got it... recalls I'll bring in, any other concerns I'll check with you first. You're the hero of all service writers.

For the record - yes, I do have another recall that I didn't know about until Darnon posted about it. I'll bring it in for that AND also mention my potentially related concern about the brake light switch and see what they say. Fortunately, the one other time I had to bring my Maverick into the dealer for service (a different recall) my service writer was a lot more pleasant than you and happy to discuss any and all concerns I had about the vehicle, especially while under warranty.

 

[RogueCheddar]

There's another, more recent one about the brake lights staying on.

Glad I bought the hybrid.

I'm booked in next week for the brake light recall. I have the brake light delay as OP describes but speeds above 10kmh the lights come back on and stay on

 

[90.eunos.cosmo]

I confirm that the recall will not fix that "issue" i think it has to do with the brakehold module, it did bother me a bit at first but i got used to it and its also not really a problem!

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