NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE05066

BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVE: Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights**

CLOSED

no recall issued

** This defect investigation is filed under 3 related vehicle components.
2003 FORD RANGER -- This PE was opened based on technical service bulletin (tsb) #05-6-19 issued by Ford motor company and service bulletin #09-008/5 issued by Mazda motor corporation to address concerns of the center high mounted stop light (chmsl) wiring harness chaffing. The tsb's affected the Ford super cab and Mazda cab plus vehicles only.service technicians contacted the Ford hotline because it was difficult for the technicians to diagnose and locate the cause of the inoperative brake lights.Ford and Mazda issued the tsb's to aid technicians in the identification and repair of the wire chafe condition.of all warranty claims submitted to Ford for brake lamp failure, Ford identified only 120 that were related to wire chafe near the chmsl, and most (115 of the 120) were reported for the super cab chmsl. ODI's review of Ford's warranty claims and complaint data reveals a declining trend for the super cab and that trend closely parallels the trend for the standard cab as well.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of Agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the Agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Investigation was initiated on December 05 2005. Closed on March 24 2006. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE05066 »