Brake Lights Out

Last Sunday I discovered my brake lights were not working by almost getting rear ended.  

First thing I did was do a search here at NATO and read by either one of the Brian(s) or Jeff that the wire breaks fairly regularly (Thanks Guys!).  Also, I would agree that getting under the dash would be easier if you take out the driver's seat, but I didn't do that instead cried and moaned as I contorted getting under the dash.

When I peeked under the dash it wasn't obvious that any wires were broken.  I gently pulled and tugged on each lead but everything looked good.  Mine you I wear bifocals at this point in the game, but we'll come back to this.

Autozone had the light switch and the plug in stock for me.  My first trip I just got the switch that didn't fix my problem.  My 4 way flashers worked and I had power across the fuse (15 AMP location #1) with the flashers on.  I checked the continuity to the switch on both leads and found none.

With my glasses off I saw the insultation was still attached, but the wire was broken on the opposite side of the plug terminals.  I've attached a picture to hopefully help someone else.  Might not happen again for anyone else but just maybe.  
Here's a link to the part at Autozone:  https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-...v-JRuDo__0
Duralast Stoplight Switch 674

And I have brake lights again!!!

I have had the wires to the brake light switch break either at the switch or internally in the wires 3 times over the 34 years I have had my 86 Tbird 5.0, and had the wires in break in the 88 TC twice in the 20 years I have had it. These days I make a quick check of the switch and wires going to the switch every year or 2 in an attempt to head off problems.

Oddly enough, I have never had the brake light switch itself fail in any of the Fords I have owned.

I am pretty sure the original brake switch is still good. I am keeping it as a backup.