Troubleshooting Vehicle with Diode Tow Bar Wiring Kit That Brake Lights Stopped Working

Published 08/20/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Hy-Power Diode - (Qty 1)

(355)

$21.92

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 10

(1176)

$15.95

Question:

Again, please, because I need help. My vehicle will never be towed again and had non-working left rear brake lights problem. I was able to fix temporarily by jumpering the left and rear brake light wires. How do I remove the diode block and all associated wiring so as to restore the vehicle to factory wiring. .....the diode block says not to overtighten terminal screws on it because diodes might be damaged...does this mean the diodes are embedded in the plastic diode box? I am not going to tow this vehicle anymore and had to jumper two wires for the left rear brake lights to work on this 2003 Acura TL again. How do it remove this diode block and all associated wiring so that I return the vehicle to original wiring? Thank you for your patience in ansering my questions. Thank you.

asked by: Bob I

Expert Reply:

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Bob I.

8/20/2015

Jameson C.

8/20/2015

Can you send me a picture of your diodes? The ones we carry just use spade connectors to connect to the vehicle wiring that you would just need to remove and connect the wires back together. It sounds like your diode terminals use screws/plates to attach to the wiring similar to how a car amp wires up. You would need to unscrew the plates that hold the wire to the diodes (which are in the plastic housing), and then connect the wires back together with a butt end connector like the # DW05744-10 or by soldering.