Troubleshooting Brake Lamp Failure Light On 2016 Ford Escape With Trailer Connected

Updated 02/21/2017 | Published 02/19/2017

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Question:

I bought a 2016 escape and when I connect my trailer to it I get trailer, brake lamp failure. Lites will not work. Am I going to have to completely have my trailer retired?

asked by: Kay

Expert Reply:

There can be a couple of reasons you are getting a brake lamp failure on your 2016 Escape.

Either a brake light is really out on the trailer, or you can have a ground issue which can cause all sorts of issues. I recommend using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the pins on the trailer connector on the Escape. If that checks out, you can use a 12V battery and test the trailer connector.

If everything checks out another possibility is that the trailer has LED lights. LEDs draw so little power that the vehicle thinks there is a light out and the warning light shows up. You can easily install a resistor like part # DI34ZR on each light and that will take care of the brake lamp failure issue.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L