Troubleshooting 1997 GMC Savana Van Where Trailer Brake Lights Stopped Working

Published 02/09/2016

Products Featured in This Question

(66)

$14.40

Question:

i have a 97gmc savana van with a voyager installed . im having problems with brake lights working sometimes now and sometimes they dont . where should i see where the problem would be

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

The brake lights of your trailer are separate from your brake controller # 5504 but we can still help you troubleshoot.

First thing you should do at this point is test the connector of the wiring harness with a circuit tester part # PTW2993 for voltage on all of the right pins when the taillight signals are being applied. Just like in the video I attached.

If the voltage checks out there but the trailer lights still don't function right then the problem is on the trailer wiring. That would mean that problem is either due to a ground issue or a short issue.

Make sure that the trailer side connector is 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.

If the problem is on the vehicle side then I would first recommend you double check how the harness is installed on your vehicle, make sure all of the connections are good and tight. You should check all towing related fuses and relays as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C