How to Connect Brake and Turn Signal Lights on a Headache Rack to a 2017 Toyota Tacoma

Updated 01/30/2018 | Published 01/29/2018

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Question:

2017 toyota tacoma 4x4 extra cab Looking for power on blue pin / trailer brake Without a brake controller so pin powers as brake peddle depressed not using for a trailer tho to illuminate a back rack and blue wire is brakes all wires to be used 5-6 / left right turn being used as turn not as brake turn

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

You're not going to get any power from the brake output circuit unless you install an electric brake controller, like the P3 # 90195. That circuit is not powered from just the brake pedal; however, there is a much easier way to connect the lights on your headache rack.

To power its lights, you just need to tap into the brake light circuit on your 2017 Toyota Tacoma. To do so you need a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to find the correct wires. The brake output circuit powers a trailer's brakes but it does not power the trailer's brake lights. This circuit is on a completely different wire that is often combined with the turn signals. However, I believe your truck has a separate wiring system, so they won't even be combined.

If they are combined in order to separate the brake and turn signals on your truck, you need to use part # C56196. You connect the combined circuit wires from your truck on the input side and the converter box then separates the circuits into isolated turn and brake light signals. Then connect the wires from the output side to your headache rack to their appropriate lights.

expert reply by: Charles S