Removing Diodes From Lighting Used For Flat-Towing 2003 Acura TL
Question:
How do I remove the all diode block wiring altogether since I will not be towing my car? See original question below and first expert reply I purchased a used 2003 Acura TL that I did not know was towbar towed and wired with Diode Kit until I checked wiring because my left rear brake lights are not working. The high mount and right rear brake lights are working. I am able to make the left rear brake lights to work only if I run a jumper wire at the diode block itself so as to also connect the terminals of the two wires running to the rear left and rear right brake wires of my car. Is this a safe thing to do? Sounds like maybe the diode of the wiring kit on your vehicle has gone bad. You can bypass the diode to get the brake light to get it to work again, or you can replace the diode with part # RM-790 for if you ever planned to flat tow the vehicle again. If your brake lights are separate from your turn signals you could do what you described and run the brake light wire from one side of the vehicle to the other taillight, but you would also run the risk of overdrawing that circuit since it now would be powering two lights.
asked by: Bob I
Expert Reply:
In order to remove the diodes from your Acura, you can do a couple things. If you want to remove the wiring harness altogether, simply trace the wires from the connector at the front of your Acura and find each diode used for your vehicle.
The diode should be installed very near the tail lights. Use a circuit tester like part # 3808 and find the wire that shows current only when the left turn signal is used. Remove the diode and then use a connector to reattach the wires that the diode was connected to.
You can have someone press the brake pedal and find the wire that shows current only when the brakes are pressed. Remove the diode that is inline with that wire and reattach. Repeat this for both sides of the vehicle and you should then have your lights back to their original function without the diodes. You can then leave the harness that was used for flat-towing your vehicle or you could remove it after removing diodes.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Tail Light Wiring Kit with Block Diode
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: Diode Installation Instructions for a Dinghy with Separate Tail Light Wiring
- Article: Tow Bar Wiring: Which Wiring Kit is for You?
- Article: Tow Bar Wiring Overview
- Q&A: Do I Need a Charge Line to Flat Tow a 2022 Ram 1500?
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Kia Soul Manual Transmission
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Q&A: How Does The Blue Ox Patriot System Get Signal To Apply Brakes
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Is The Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR The Same As The BRK2022
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Q&A: Can The 2022 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Be Flat Towed