Installed Hopkins Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring Harness, # 31345, On 2005 Chevy Express, No Brake Lights
Question:
2005 1500 express van installed wiring harness everything works but brake lights
asked by: Michael B
Expert Reply:
You might have a weak ground problem that is causing the brake lights not to work.
The three areas where you will want to check to make sure you are getting a good ground is the ground wire from the converter in the wiring harness, the ground wire of the connector on the trailer and the trailer lights are grounded to the trailer.
First, you will want to check the white wire on your wiring harness that is coming out of the converter. You want to make sure it is attached to a good, clean surface on the vehicle frame.
Next, check the ground wire that is on the connector on the trailer to make sure it is making a good, clean ground to metal.
Then, check the ground on the lights on the trailer. The lights can be grounded two ways, either by a wire coming out of the lights and being attached to the metal frame or by the bolts of the tail lamp assembly being attached to the metal frame.
If that does not work you will want to make sure the trailer is not connected, then use a circuit tester, part # PTW2993 if needed, to test the brake light wire going into the converter for power. Then test the brake light wire coming out of the converter for power.
If you have power going in and not coming out of the brake light wire, then you may need to replace the converter. If you have to replace the converter, make sure when installing a new converter that there are no shorts on the trailer.
I am sending a link to instructions on troubleshooting your trailer wiring.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Is The 1/2" Metal Loom Clamp # A0500 a Single Component Or Multiple Clamps?
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Performance Chips and Modules
- Q&A: How to Hardwire a 12 Volt Accessory Outlet in a Truck Bed
- Q&A: Disc Brake Kit That Fits Hayes/AL-KO 12,000 lb Axle With #120 Spindle
- Q&A: Replacement Hub and Drum assembly for ALKO 8480
- Q&A: Chart With Error Codes Explained for the Prodigy P2 90885
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Q&A: Mounting Hole Dimensions of Buyers Products Trailer Hitch for GM Van Cutaway