Testing Tail Light Wires on a 2005 Saturn Vue Using a Multimeter to Install Trailer Wiring Harness

Updated 02/20/2014 | Published 02/18/2014

Question:

Since I do not have a test lamp and only a multimeter, how will I test which wires are for the turn signals and brake lights? Thank you for your help. 2005 Saturn Vue. Not redline.

asked by: Felicia

Helpful Expert Reply:

To test the tail light wires on your 2005 Saturn Vue using a multimeter you will first set the meter to read voltage. There should be several settings to test voltage but you want the lowest setting. Then you can either pierce the wires to test them or unplug the tail light and test the connector pins (if equipped).

Have someone sit in the car and run through the light functions while you test the wires. The functions that power on should be near 12 volts and the others should not show any voltage or minimal voltage. Once you determine the functions of the wires you can splice into them accordingly to install the wiring harness.

expert reply by: Michael H