INADVERTANT Disabling Of Brake Shift Interlock (04-005/02)

Publication date: 2002-01-01
Reference number: 04-005/02
Supersedes refnos: 04-001/00

INADVERTANT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): CAT. 04, NO. 005/02

MAZDA:	1996-2002 626; 1996-1997 MX-6; 1993-1994 Navajo; 2001-2003 Tribute; 1994-2003 Truck (All Models)
SECTION:	04 - Brakes

Superceded Bulletin(s): CAT. 04, NO. 001/00

NOTE: This bulletin supersedes the following TSB(s): 04-001/00. Please update your records accordingly.

NOTE: This bulletin is being republished in its entirety to update model year coverage and vehicle line applications.

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

1996-2002 626

1996-1997 MX-6

1993-1994 Navajo

2001-2003 Tribute

1994-2003 Truck (All Models)

DESCRIPTION

Some corporations, municipalities or police agencies may have had their vehicles brake lamps modified to flash when the police or auxiliary lights are turned ON. As a result of this modification, the brake shift interlock could be disabled. The brake shift interlock is a feature that prevents the vehicle from being shifted from PARK unless the brake pedal is depressed. Disabling of the brake shift interlock feature may enable the operator to inadvertently apply the accelerator instead of the brake pedal and simultaneously shift from PARK to Drive.

Dealers should advise corporate, municipal and police agencies that any modification of a vehicles brake circuits, or that electrically interfaces with the brake lamps in any manner should be discontinued IMMEDIATELY. The lighting system should be modified in a manner that does not interfere with normal vehicle operation or the brake shift interlock. In addition, any modifications to the high mount stop lamp does not conform with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 108 which requires that the high mount stop lamp only illuminate when applying the brakes.

Installation of warning/emergency lights should only be done with a completely separate electrical system, without connection to any existing vehicle wiring.Connection of aftermarket electrical equipment into the brake lamp circuit or any other circuit which is connected to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), anti-lock brake computer, air bag system or any other vehicle system will cause vehicle malfunction.