I noticed my brake lights don't light up when I press on the brake pedal. The 3rd brake light does turn on when I press on the brake pedal but the lower right/left don't. I know it's not the bulbs because the brake lights turn on when I turn on the headlights, but they don't get brighter when I press on the brake pedal. Any ideas what the culprit might be? I haven't checked the fuses because I don't know which ones control the brake lights. Anyone know which fuses I need to check? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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Replace your bulbs. They have two elements in them

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1999 Ranger 4.0 and extreme Snap-on tool fetish

I'll give that a try...thanks.

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Another place to look and it's really common is since BOTH are out, there is a pigtail up under the bumper. The main harness runs back then this rear harness plugs into it and runs wires to your tail lights and trailer plug if you have one. Make sure that connection is good and clean. And still together. Over the years they can vibrate loose. I clean the inside with contact cleaner then apply some dielectric grease to the ends and plug back in. Also if your DONT have a trailer plug and want one, auto zone sells one that plugs into that harness in the back of the truck, literally plug and play. It's like $20 and ALOT better then cutting and soldering wires for a trailer plug.

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1997 Ford Ranger. 2.3ltr 5speed. Ext cab. 2 wheel drive
1998 Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 5speed Ext cab. 2 wheel drive

Went to AutoZone and purchased the bulbs and Brake Light switch. Before installing the switch I tried the bulbs and to my surprise, the brake lights worked. I never knew the brake light bulb had 2 elements. Thanks a lot for your help Swift and everyone else who chimed in--you saved me a huge headache. Now I gotta go return the Brake Light switch and use that money on a cold 6 pack of Modelo.

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