Trailer Brake Lights Not Working After Installing Trailer Wiring Harness on a 1998 Chevy Astro
Question:
Connected wires according to instructions, but brake light connection not working. Got running lights R turn and L turn. Why no brake?
asked by: Christopher T
Expert Reply:
It is possible that the taillight wiring on your 1998 Chevy Astro has more than one wire that carries the turn signal functions. If so, and you connected the wiring harness # HM41225 to those, then the brake light signal would not get to the 4-Way. You can double check the factory wires using a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one. Have someone sit in the vehicle and operate the brakes while you test the wires.
If everything is wired up correctly on the vehicle side AND the vehicle brake lights and turn signals are working, then the issue is on the trailer side, possibly a bad ground or a short. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light but can show up any time.
Make sure that the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Hopkins Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Hopkins Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - HM41225 Review
- Q&A: 4-Pole Wiring Harness for 1999 GMC Jimmy
- Q&A: Will Trailer Wiring Harness # 118384 Fit Vehicles Without a Factory 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: wireless trailer lights
- Q&A: No Brake Lights with Harness Part # 18004 On a 1998 Chevy Express Van
- Shop: 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 60" Harness and Wire Taps
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: 7-Way Trailer Plug Adapter or Compatibility with Lance Slide-In Truck Bed Camper
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It