Mercury Cougar Brake Light Switch Guide: 1981-1993
Everything a Cougar owner needs to know about diagnosing and replacing a faulty brake light switch.
- A bad brake light switch is a critical safety issue that must be fixed immediately.
- Symptoms include brake lights not working, staying on, or cruise control failure.
- Replacement is easy for DIYers, with the main challenge being awkward access under the dash.
- Aftermarket brands like Standard Ignition and Rostra are reliable, cost-effective choices for this part.
Is Your Cougar's Brake Light Switch Failing?
A faulty brake light switch is a common issue on older vehicles like the 1981-1993 Mercury Cougar. Due to its constant use, the internal contacts can wear out, or the plastic housing can become brittle. The symptoms are usually straightforward and should be addressed immediately for safety reasons.
Key Symptoms of a Bad Switch:
- Brake Lights Don't Work: The most serious symptom. The switch fails in the 'open' position, and your brake lights will not illuminate when you press the pedal.
- Brake Lights Stay On: The switch gets stuck in the 'closed' position, causing the brake lights to remain on even when your foot is off the pedal. This can drain your battery and confuse other drivers.
- Cruise Control Malfunctions: If your cruise control won't turn on or shuts off randomly, it could be a faulty brake light switch sending an incorrect signal.
Pro Tip: Before replacing the switch, always check the simple things first. Make sure the brake light bulbs haven't burned out and check the brake light fuse to ensure it hasn't blown.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Light Switch
For a vehicle from this era, finding a brand-new OEM part from Ford is difficult and often unnecessary. Quality aftermarket brands provide an excellent, cost-effective solution. The two primary brands available are Standard Ignition and Rostra Powertrain, both of which are reliable choices.
Brand Quality Tiers:
- Standard Ignition (Standard Motor Products): A well-respected name in the aftermarket industry, Standard Ignition produces parts that meet or exceed original equipment specifications. They are a go-to choice for many professional mechanics and offer a dependable, direct-fit replacement for your Cougar.
- Rostra Powertrain: Rostra is a certified manufacturer of both OE and aftermarket electronic components, known for high-quality standards. They supply parts to major automakers, including Ford, and their products undergo rigorous testing. Choosing a Rostra switch means you are getting a part from a company with a strong reputation for reliability.
Ultimately, you can be confident installing a switch from either Standard Ignition or Rostra. The most important factor is ensuring you order the correct part for your specific model year, as there are differences, particularly between the pre-1989 and post-1989 models.
Warning: A faulty brake light switch is a serious safety hazard. Driving without functioning brake lights can lead to a rear-end collision. Do not drive your vehicle if you know the brake lights are not working.
Brake Light Switch Cost for 1981-1993 Mercury Cougar
| Part Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Standard, Rostra) | $14.10 - $26.40 |
| New OEM (Motorcraft/Ford) | $23.00 - $67.00 |
| Shop Labor Cost | $50 - $100 |
Installation Overview
Replacing the brake light switch is a simple job that most DIYers can handle with basic tools. The main challenge is the uncomfortable access, as the switch is located up under the dashboard, attached to the brake pedal support. The basic steps involve disconnecting the negative battery terminal, unplugging the switch's electrical connector, removing the retaining clip or nut, and swapping the old switch for the new one. Some owners find that removing the driver's seat provides much better access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive my Cougar with a bad brake light switch?
No. If your brake lights are not working, your vehicle is not safe to drive. If your brake lights are stuck on, you should get it repaired immediately to avoid draining your battery and confusing other drivers.
Are there any recalls for the brake light switch on my Cougar?
No, there are no specific recalls from the NHTSA for the brake light switch on the 1981-1993 Mercury Cougar. There were recalls for a different part, a cruise control deactivation switch, on other Ford models, but this does not apply to the brake pedal switch discussed here.
Where is the brake light switch located?
It is located under the driver's side dashboard, mounted to the brake pedal assembly. You will need to look up from the floor mat to see it attached to the top part of the brake pedal arm.
My brake lights work, but my turn signal doesn't. Is it the switch?
Unlikely. If only the turn signals are malfunctioning, the problem is more likely with the turn signal switch (multifunction switch) in the steering column, the flasher relay, or the bulb itself. The brake light circuit does pass through the turn signal switch, which can sometimes cause confusing symptoms, but a total turn signal failure with working brake lights points elsewhere.
What is the most common mistake when ordering this part?
The most common mistake is not verifying the part for your exact model year. The switch design changed for the 1989 model year when the Cougar moved to the MN12 platform. Always confirm fitment before purchasing. For example, some 1989 models require a specific switch if they have a hand-operated parking brake.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: E9AZ-13480-A E73Z-13480-A E1AZ-13480-A
Located on the brake pedal support bracket. Typically a 2-terminal switch. Fitment varies by model year, especially around the 1988/1989 generation change.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mercury Cougar: