Trailer Brake Light Does Not Work Using Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2009 Honda Pilot

Question:

Where do I look to fix this problem. I have tried this on two different trailers and the same light is out ,but all the rest e work. 2009 Honda pilot. 7 way kit!!

asked by: James H

Expert Reply:

The first thing you are going to want to do is disconnect the trailer and use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test the pins on the connector. Have someone sit in the vehicle and run through each lighting function to make sure they are all working.

The brake lights and turn signals are the pins in the 9:00 and 3:00 positions respectively. If the tester does not light up on one or both pins when the brakes are applied, then that indicates an issue on the vehicle side of things. Check for any loose wires, connection, missing or blown fuses/relays first.

If the signals all work on the vehicle side, then the issue is on the trailers, probably a bad ground or dirty trailer connector. Make sure that the trailer connectors are clean a free of corrosion on the pins and around back where the wires attach. The main trailer connector ground and the grounds for the lights should all be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

I have included a couple of FAQ articles that should also help with troubleshooting.

expert reply by: Michael H