check the easy stuff as 2nd suggested (I just use a test light) but if that proves fruitless, try the turn signal switch. The wiring runs through there and that has been my nemesis on more than one occasion. I highly recommend getting the Ford shop manual for your car. The wiring diagrams alone can be worth the cost.
If you strike out with the easy stuff don't rule out the turn signal switch as just about all light pass thru it. I had a similar problem with my coupe and it ended up being the switch.
Okay, I took a quick look tonight. The turn signals still work. The connections in the trunk seem to be in contact. Is there a seperate fuse for the brake lights? If so which fuse? I didn't see a fuse location named "brakes". I'm trying to narrow it down, ya know? What's a good order for troubleshooting? I don't have any tech tools for electrical prognosis stuff. It's been mentioned it could be a problem in the turn signal area.... well I don't know what the heck to look for. Am I looking for a grounded wire? A broken wire? An in-line fuse? I need a no-brainer procedure to follow.
I'd say the easiest is to check the connections from the brake lights forward. Also it's no big deal to replace the bulbs. they aren't that expensive, and if that isn't the problem, at least you'll then have extra bulbs for when the DO burn out. After that, you could check the fuses one by one...even if you don't know which one it is, you might find it by trial and error. I don't know, but I'd say the fuse which controls your brake lights also controls other elements, so if your brake lights are the only thing that's out, it prob. isn't a fuse.
sorry for the ramble, but I'm half asleep and dizzy from paint fumes (just finished painting #2 on-the-way's bedroom-to-be).
Yeah I don't know... I'd think there would be something else on the brake light fuse that also is not working if that was the case. The turn signals DO work though. So I'm not sure it's a bulb problem.
Check your brake light switch on your brake pedal as well... It's like $5 for a new one from the parts store...I usually have to replace mine every 3 years.
It's just above the brake pedal. It's a pressure switch so when you push the brake pedal, you open a circuit. If it get real dirty, the switch work function properly. I tried cleaning it once and it worked for a few weeks. You can use some carb cleaner spray and see if that helps. If it does, buy a new one. I don't reccomend using the old one (especially for the price of a new one) just use this as a test.