Brake Light Wiring

Rick Parker · #1 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 02:22 AM

Well, after trouble shooting my freshly completed rewiring I realized something was amiss. I had no brake lights, and only one rear turn signal. Try as I may it wasn't until tonight that I found the error, the red wire coming from the trailer wire converter on the output side was attached to the left turn signal 4 way connector and the yellow output (left turn) was connected to the brake light switch. After correcting the above I now have both turn signals but still no brake lights. I have power from the fuse panel to the brake switch and to the Red input for the brakes. But I have no brake lights. All fuse panel fuses are good, key is on, fast blow fuses are in place, bulbs and grounds are good. I think the trailer adapter died thanks to my ass backwards (late nights) wiring. It was making a buzzing noise when I applied the turn signal prior to the change today. The pink lead from the brake switch is now attached to red lead from trailer adapter.

Rick

Trying to finish car this weekend!!!!!

Bob Putnam · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 06:15 AM

If the pink lead from the brake light switch is live when the brake pedal is press, you have indeed cooked the relay.

You should be able to get one locally at most auto parts or trailer rental places.

Rick Parker · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 11:00 AM

The brand I have found and the part number being used is #18158 made or marketed by Draw-Tite??? Is this the correct item? If not may I purchase one from you? I am somewhat confused over the labeling "Input/Output".

The label on the convertor clearly indicates the side with two wires labeled as "Input" and the side with 3 wires is labeled "Output". Yet when applied to the wiring diagram (FIA) the 3 wire side is directed to "The car" (input??) and the 2 wire side to the tail lights "Input??".

I reordered before removing the original, and find myself questioning whether I actually have the correct item. To my interpretation, the side with 3 wires should be "Input", and the one with 2 wires since it goes to the rear light should be "Output". What am I overlooking? (interpretation)???

Rick

Bob Putnam · #4 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 05:26 PM

Rick,

No - you're interpreting the markings correctly. Unfortunately, you need a relay that has three wires as input and two as output. It's for a car with separate brake and signal lights towing a trailer with brake and signals combined.

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 10:23 PM

Bob:

Thanks for the good description, I have found the correct part and resolved the concerns, funny how that happens(????)

Thanks again for your help

Rick