97 98 no brake lights Chevy Silverado

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Chevrolet pickup truck no brake lights but all other lights work, white wire at rear harness was grounding out and blowing fuse when the brake pedal was pressed, this is how to check the brake switch, light relay and more. and check grounds

[@twowheelrodeo]

I learned a ton from this video. The wire harness, switch, relay and connector designations was beautiful. Thank You. And also the feedback from other viewers also cleared up the question about the extra wire. 🙌

[@RCSmith90]

Years later you are the man. This is golden information.

[@robinfox9933]

Thank you, that is my exact problem. I made the same assumption, that it was a ground wire because it was white and tied it up to my ground from the taillight section of the harness. I am blowing the #1 fuse as well. You just saved me a TON of trouble shooting. Thank you.

[@edyancy2805]

This video took me straight to my 'short' on my 97 suburban ! It was a self inflicted problem when I rewired my trailer light harness. Exact same wire, and location. It's been layed up for months and I feel like an idiot now ... Thank you very much !

[@georgesaffold8431]

Do tell

[@geraldcarr1169]

Thank you thank you thank you for making a video that's easy to understand! Your guidance led me to the wiring issue I was having. The brake light switch connector plugs into another connector that had 3ea broken wires! Besides my Dad (who's no longer with me) you rock! Now if only you could help me solve the TCM problem with my 07 GMC Duramax I'd literally cry tears of joy! 😂

[@grantkelley5040]

I think you just showed me the solution to my problem. We’ve checked everything and had no luck at all figuring out how to fix it. Thank you!!

[@kevincook2220]

That small white wire at the rear is for a third brake light, not for trailer. Example: adding a topper shell with a third brake light in the top center.

[@kevinstacey2231]

it makes good sense! because a topper blocks the cab light cargo bar. that also has on certain models? mine included! a two bulb brake light function.

[@dkemp1337]

hmm could be usefull for thos tailgate strips people use

[@paulburrows2120]

Thanks allot man, I didn't want to crawl under there to replace the switch if i didn't have to, but based on your video and the outcome from testing the switch I'm going to have to! But at least I know for sure.

[@79monteblack]

Thank you sir” SAME EXACT ISSUE NOW I FIXED IT !!!! Thank you for the knowledge!!! Your awesome

[@eschafer1987]

A+PO]0

[@MsWitchHazel666]

Thanks so much you really do an excellent job of explaining everything you're very clear with your instructions and to the point I appreciate that so much

[@AaronCPalmer]

Admittedly, I had to watch you on 1.5 speed, but I do appreciate your video having seen it all the way through now. I'm chasing a tail light, brake light problem right now on a '99 that I got two days ago. Somebody glued the bulbs in... I'm sure that solved their problem. 🙄 Anyways, replaced the circuit board for the lights and still don't have any. Thanks for pointing in the right direction

[@mrmacgregorshomestead233]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! I have a 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 and this is exactly what's happening to my fuses. Ty! Ty for the vid!

[@jonathangrossman140]

Appreciate the breakdown from point to point. I still had to replace the switch, but this would have saved me if my relay was bad.

[@sydewayzmo3905]

Thanks man! I been hitting this truck with my purse all day trying to figure that out!

[@dieselmutt8865]

Great video! Thank you! You just saved me at least five steps to finding my problem. Also to note, if your rear turn signals are working then the continuity on the center pins of the 4 pin white plug to the frame harness would be fine. I have no power from the brake light switch to the relay pin when the pedal is depressed. I can’t wait to go through all the wire mess (and Scotchlocks) under the dash of whoever installed the trailer brake controller.

[@diymaniac876]

Once you get power in from your Brake Switch, then you can Jump across the Relay To Brake Switch Out Pin, and Verify the Wiring, Lights, Bulbs ETC to the Rear also.

[@MrMarkishere]

Great Video, camera work was spot on. I now know my brake switch is bad. Thanks

[@fireadept007]

good video, trying to fix my brake lights not working on a 2006 Tahoe, the tail light assembly is different on those but this gave me some ideas for sure.

[@lordvader702]

Thanks for the info you got me looking in the right location and mine ended up being a bad connection at dash side fuse box

[@thomasnarel1804]

Im am so glad i watched this. I just got done doing same thing only it was pinched further up on frame. Thamks so much

[@Darks_Onry_N_Mean]

Thank goodness for your video cause i just picked a 1998 chevy silverado and it's got the same issue

[@danielchase3685]

Nice video, just did a frame swap and did the same thing. Thanks for saving me time.

[@flyguy5941]

Thanks for the info. I will check my k1500 and see if I can get my brake lights to work. Let you know later😀

[@jakehill3384]

Thankyou! I would have spent a lot of time and money trying to find this!!

[@daltonmartin9040]

You helped me so much I was about to put alot of money in and that fuses worked

[@th3infid3l7]

Was goin say sounds like a short in wire do with trailer hook up Glad u fig it out bro

[@MrJdiddy42069]

I over looked that #1 20amp thanks brother

[@earlfletcher4814]

Thank you for your time this video does help a lot not saying it's the same problem I have but it's a good place to start.

[@rogerstikkers261]

Wow great video! That is the exact same issue I'm having with my truck. So now I can fix it. Thank you!!

[@vn8272]

Thank you sir thank you I have the same pickup truck same year same colors this video was helpful

[@lordvader702]

I just hook up a 7 blade trailer connector all was good until I zipped tied it up then it blew number 16 I can’t remember the exact number but it’s 16/17 something like that when I put on turn signal now I don’t have brake light re wired the plug again found some old wires up near the bed that were exposed took care of them out everything back to together everything works no blowing fuses. But still no brake lights . Might be the relay I’ll check that now that I’ve learned the system from your video I’m sure I’ll figure it out thanks

[@bobbybenn8275]

I just had the same problem on Thursday. I had no brake lights, no signal lights and no driving. I replaced the 33 year old stop light switch, the 33 year old turn flasher, and cleaned the ground. I got power on driver side, but I one on right side. I found that the trailer harness was melted. I disconnected it and gooed up tail light harness, wala, everything started working. It was a 1990 Chevy Silverado 5.7. Hope this helps someone. Have a great weekend.

[@marclalonde7395]

HAving the same issue. Will check tomorrow and see. Atleast now I know what to test. Thanks a bunch!

[@ivancruz8089]

Great video man I was burn fuses like crazy 😂😂

[@kyleleach7292]

I was really hopeful that was going to be my problem as I have the exact same symptoms and a random white “ground” that I haven’t found the source of. After watching this video, I ran out to my truck, disconnected it, stepped on the brake.. popped the fuse. Feels like im really just chasing my tail on this one. Changed the brake switch, changed the multifunction switch, still can’t seem to find my short

[@jrlopez2619]

I am the same way

[@1Splat]

@@jrlopez2619I've been in your spot. If you've checked everything else there's a switch located by the tranny underneath the truck. I had to swap that out to get my brake lights and back-up lights to work again. Or, you could have a brake in one of the wires that goes to this switch I'm talking about.

[@ramonmontiel2223]

Thank you for your video sir, did the same thing.

[@casio83647]

Thank you this helps me with my trailer brake signal wire for controller

[@hatonhead321]

Thanks very much, great video. What do you do if you don't have power going to the two center pins? I have power going to one but not the second center pin. I do have power to the outside pin. I checked all fuses and have power out from my relay. My break tail lights dont work but my top center one does. I do have running lights, reverse lights and turning signals. Any info appreciated.

[@mikebarbee2217]

My 1998 Durango had no brake lights. Pulled out fuses, looked good. Changed brake switch, still nothing. All new bulbs, still no lights. Decided to swap another 20amp fuse for the brake switch fuse that "looked" good and THE BRAKES CAME ON!!! Lesson learned. Dont just look at fuses to see if they look bad. Test them or change them to be sure.

[@clarencedoland3534]

Lol I just had this problem and took all dam day to figure it out thinking the white wire was a common ground lol

[@HeSavesMankind]

My 99 yukon has no brake relay terminals. What now? My hazard light switch is broken internally. Wonder if that caused my brake lights to stop lighting? It's $100.

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

My white wire was actually still labeled as brakes. In wiring diagram of I believe haynes but not chiltons or vice versa as trailer hookups. Those other two fat wires were labeled too. Although neither of mine are energized. White works though. 1995 silv

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

I chased my wiring too while changing fuel pump with bed off. Sudden stall problem plus brake light issues

[@RickMadsen-lg5os]

My trailer plug in on the back of my truck, the white wire burnt off. I have since put in a new brake switch, checked all of my light bulbs fuses and relays. I still don't have any blinkers, brake lights, or tail lights. Is it because I didn't wire in a new trailer wiring plug to the back of the truck?

[@luisvelazquez1968]

Im having an issue on my 94 k1500. Both tail lights and turn signals work but no brake tail lights, the 3rd brake light works. Iv checked the fuses and its all good, one thing i didn't check was the relay and the connector inside the engine bay he tested with the 2 middle prongs. 🤔

[@hatonhead321]

Hey I have the same problem any luck with fixing it

[@luisvelazquez1968]

@@hatonhead321 yes sir, it was the relay that was bad. I found it clicking like it should but for some reason it wasn't making contact.

[@kevinstacey2231]

interesting, i like the example for the relay, i dont have so called trailer extended wiring, just the 4 wire plug, i replaced that so called easy brake switch! nothing easy about that! no room! only one way for it to get off! and then?? the friggin keeper clip. but?? ill go at it once again.

[@flavalistic3844]

Hey man, at 3:30 you are getting power from your brake switch.. so im only getting 4volts in that scenario. Do you think that my brake switch could be on its way out, or would you attribute that to a bad connection somewhere? Really appreciate the help.

[@carlosrosalesjrhtx]

I needed this bro thanks

[@agwoodwork]

My lanta…. I think I have a chance at solving my brake light and fuse poppping issue now on my 94 s10. Sounds like similar deal.

[@joeyevans6118]

Hey, this is the most in depth video I've seen. Can you tell me what color wire is the power in from the switch to the relay, and what one is the power out of the relay. There's a white and light blue. And if the ground for the relay is black with a white stripe? And does the ground go into the bulkhead or is it grounded in the bay. Great video! Thanks

[@josefindscoins9463]

Your video helped me alot same happened to mine

[@diymaniac876]

DEAD ON MY MAN, we been fightin this Old 97 3500 Dually shop truck for DAYS !!! This is a Total Dumbass Idea by GM, Dunno WTF They was thinking here, Brake Switch Works just the Opposite of what you would think. Anyhow, We Had The High Stop Light Working, and The Rear Brake Lights was on all the Time with the Brake Switch NOT ENGAUGED, and when you would Engauge the Brake Switch, the Rear Brake Lights would GO OUT when the Switch was ENGAUGED, High Center Still Working. The Brake Switch Had Hot on the ORANGE at the Brake Light Switch, and had Power at the WHITE on the Switch when Engauging it, which is what Operates the High Center Light that is Tied into I believe the Daytime Running Lights ETC, and no Power to any Other wires On The Brake Switch, unless you Turned the Key on, then there was 3 Hot Total. So anyhow, after watching This AWESOME VIDEO, we Checked the Relay as you showed, we Had the Constant Power, we had Power In From The Brake Switch, DID NOT HAVE GROUND !!! Sooo...we took a Jumper from the Brake Switch In, to Brake Switch out on the Relay, going to the MFS, and BAM, we Got The Rear Brake Lights To Come on, telling us the Wiring To the Rear Lights, the Light Sockets, Bulbs ETC was all good. So then, following your Video, we supplied a Ground to our Dead Ground Pin at the Relay, and she Clicked and The Brake Lights Now Works properly !!! What a Shit Storm to figure out, but MAN you Nailed it, I bet that MOST Certified GM Tech's Could not figure This Out !!! And 1 note to Add, we was NOT Blowing Fuses, just did not have Ground at The Relay, all We did was supply Ground around The Bottom of the Relay Pin to Test It, we are gonna Pull the Under Hood Relay/Fuse Box and Tie in a good Ground

[@antoniohill2574]

I watch your video about testing your relay, I checked the four prong the ground work and the out work the first to work but the12 volts consistent don't,and tested the break light pron itdid not working is my box bad

[@davidmcmillian9517]

This video helped me find the brake light problem but he did not mention the 60 amp fuse the feed the flasher And brake light whicb is located

[@davidmcmillian9517]

Under the hood

[@keithgates532]

I have 95 c 2500 I took off utility box to put flat bed so different light and light works sometimes but real low

[@jja.1783]

On the plug in the front where u checked the blinkers with the test light Where would the problem be if the blinkers weren't blinking And the blinker relay is good an no blown fuse ? I have no blinkers But everything else works brakes. Running lights flashers

[@ernieslater4850]

My 1995 Suburban brake relay, at least the relay that is in that location, is just sitting in the fuse box not connected to anything. There’s no contacts for it to plug into. Also has 5 prongs on the relay.

[@jimmycdavissr4790]

Thanks I was stumped for a minute. My logical thinking wasn't working huh.

[@CRlTICALMASS]

It does help. Thanks brotha

[@gaming.iguess]

I had an issue where when I had tail lights I didn't have brake lights but when I had brake lights I didn't have to turn signals so I just switched out the rear harness and reconnected the brake light wire into the corners that I got and we did grounds and it worked for about 3 months and now I don't have brake lights again but when I turn on either turn signal they both turn on and I switched out my headlight switch and check the tail lights in the back to make sure they didn't have water damage and they're fine cuz I don't believe this truck has a hazard lights option..... Any ideas?

[@timmckinsey19]

Well my truck is a 97 Chevy and for some odd reason my brake light stays on. I replaced the brake switch. I replace the relay. I replaced the light bar harness on the tail light and the one thing I did not replace is for the turn signal windshield wiper the hazard and the cruise control. Someone told me I have to replace that to make my brake light to start working. If I put the fuse back in my brake lights are on that's the only thing I need replaced on my truck

[@joethiele1559]

I checked the relay for power from switch and that's good, I do not have a constant 12v. What would be my next step?

[@GTB_gomez]

What if I have power to my trailer breaks when my brakes are off but not of and my binkers blink fast but brake lights don’t work

[@domenickdemeo310]

I don't have power coming from the orange wire on the break light switch which I belive is why I'm not having power going from the white wire to the relay. Any help is appreciated

[@kennethloeffler81okie]

I've got issues with no turn signals or signal indicators in my dash and no tail lights when just driving but when I brake my brake lights come on but so do the turn signal indicators the left and right at the same time in my dash and they stay solid not flashing

[@dwayneyoung7988]

Thank you, you are a life saver

[@duffenn]

that orange cable under the truck where does that connect to?

[@jimmynordan1102]

You know what I think you just solve my problem too because somebody Chopped all the wires to put a trailer and trailer like on my truck switch the switchboard on the left side the left reverse light work the right didn't okay I went and bought a new switchboard for the right everything went to hell everything went to hell when I switch the right switchboard I put everything back together and I think I'm just missing the ground because everything works blinkers running lights reverse lights no brake lights

[@tyronestevenson258]

Hello my name is shorty , my 1999 Tahoe doesn't have a light relay fuse & no place on the panel to put it ..Also I don't have brake lights or back hazard lights or BLINKERS..What shall I do??? Advice needed ASAP THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

[@albertotrujillo1903]

Hello I have the same problem with the difference that the white wire at the back I have taped off not grounded but I still have no brake lights, signal lights and parking lights great but not brake lights ??? That white cable gets power when I step on the brakes ????what else do you think I can be .

[@kurtdussander4944]

Yeah I hear you. I just put a bed on a truck I got without any type of bed. I tested all connections at back which is just a stub of wires that’s been cutoff. I have everything you described but no juice from brakes coming through the turn signal wires. The white wire has power when brake is pressed but that’s it. What ended up being your problem if you don’t mind me asking.?

[@thebsmithimages6544]

Did you check the rear circuit boards? I had the same problem and replaced the circuit boards and it fixed it

[@toreyrayoum4031]

I don't have any power to the two center pins, on the plug. Any suggestions?

[@brandon313319]

I also have no power to the center pins

[@cassidyhruby7211]

What would you test if both brake lights and blinkers don’t work but running lights do?

[@beerpong11119]

Anyone know why someone would take brake relay out and wire in from those sockets bought a 97k1500 and that's what the guy did all other rear lights work except for breaks

[@weimer341]

Is this the same for a ‘95 TBI setup? I have the same fuse panel but my lights are reading differently with a test light, all light up with brake depressed but the front drivers side doesn’t light at any point whether brake is depressed or not

[@decked06]

From the sound of it you’re not from Georgia but if you are ever in the Athens area hit me up I owe you a cold one.

[@jdnls364]

Don't hear my relay engaging, any ideas?

[@michaelturbes7001]

What if I don't have any 12 volt power to my brake switch relay but I'm getting power to my brake relay from my brake switch?

[@randomtube8226]

My 91 Silverado doesn't have a brake light relay. 1991 Chevy Silverado 1500 2WD. I have running lights, backup lights and both turn signals working. But no break lights and no emergency flasher lights. Already replaced brake switch, fuses and bulbs. Still no brake lights. No bad grounds found. We have tried just about everything we can think of. We need the break lights to pass the inspection. Do turn signal lights and brake lights share the same circuit on older vehicles? Could it be a bad turn signal switch even though the turn signals work fine?

[@snaggdiggler]

Yes, brake and turn use the same wires. Did you replace the brake switch on your brake pedal? They are about $15 .

[@randomtube8226]

@@snaggdiggler Yes I replaced it with no luck so far.

[@SL-pg4dh]

I have the same problem on my 2009 Hyundai sonata. My brake light and my left tail light and parking light are not working, but somehow my left turn signal works fine. Any hope?

[@illuminati8181]

I have a1988 throttle body injection 1500 the same problem with the brake lights not working. All other lights and signals work . Maybe it's because I used the clear bulbs in my right front blinker instead of buying the correct orange ones. Maybe they are the same or sumin..

[@randomtube8226]

You will never guess what it was. When I replaced the brake switch. I attached the switch in the groove and the wires, but forgot to attach the switch lever to the peddle arm 🤦😂

[@danielriley9555]

With my circuit tester the light is really dim when testing the break switch. Also it only lights up if the truck is running. Would you have any suggestions on what may be the reason on that?

[@tannerclanton5375]

What does it mean if you have no 12 v constant on fuse box

[@karenmoore5420]

Need a suggestion on getting my 1994 chevy silverado truck to turn off. drove it yesterday and it was fine, but turned off truck and lights wont go off. Suggestions?

[@snaggdiggler]

Sounds like the relay stuck in the on position, try to pull all the relays in the fuse box under the hood and see if they go out, and then switch it with one of the other relays for a test, all the relays should be the same

[@frankiedee6938]

The 12v constant for my 1998 truck has no power to it. Brake lights aren't working. Daytime lights do. I'm pretty confused on what to do.

[@tylerhuntfishwork7810]

Did you fix it? That’s my issue all lights work but no brake lights

[@frankiedee6938]

@tylerhuntfishwork7810 yes i did actually. I replaced the brake switch and everything works now

[@andrewngina09]

Yeah brother big help thanks

[@blueticlab4020]

Great video

[@DirkGently04]

question if any one is still watching this video. I have power to the relay. Power transfers to the appropriate pin when brake is depressed, so switch works. Relay is not tripping. Have tried two relays. Is it possible something down stream from the relay is causing it not to trip? I am flummoxed here.

[@DirkGently04]

I should add that I appreciate the detail in this video... I think it's the only one out there that covers the whole system like this (believe me I've looked a lot in the last few weeks!). Great work.

[@212rain]

@@DirkGently04did you figure out your problem? I have replaced my switch and relay but the relay doesn’t seem to be getting any power

[@DirkGently04]

@@212rain mine turned out to be the contacts in the switch. I was not getting a full 12v out of the switch, but more like 10.9, which turned out to be not enough to trip the relay. guy removed the switch, sandpapered the contacts, put it back in... and bingo, worked perfectly.

[@212rain]

@@DirkGently04 i appreciate the reply

[@DirkGently04]

@212rain no prob. sorry it wasn't particularly helpful for you

[@seanharracksingh279]

Great videos, thx

[@robertthibodeaux4435]

Amy thoughts why I’m not getting power to my reverse lights? All my other lights are working! 96 Silverado! Thx!

[@snaggdiggler]

Reverse lights are on a different harness, it's a green wire that goes in the same plug that supplies power to the fuel pump

[@wesleyswinson2836]

The connectors was my issue also melted plug at firewall

[@JEKitchens]

I'm so confused when I press my brakes the turn signals go on, I pulled out the rear lights and the relay still goes off for the turn signals

[@randybrown9706]

All my wires are broken off or cut from switch and I can't locate the six wires that feed brake light switch. Still 15 hrs in and can't locate wires

[@brandon313319]

What if you dont have power to center pins, have power to the very end pin

[@victorpreciado6182]

I have absolutely no power on any of the break relay posts, any ideas?

[@caryrosejr.1752]

Do you have to drop the steering column?

[@snaggdiggler]

No you don't, but it is a tight squeeze under the steering column

[@glendekoker3682]

Take switch apart clean contacts fixed.

[@bamseals4126]

Ok so I have the same issue just no running lights brake lights blinkers and etc all work I’ve switched the circuit boards and put in a fuse what should I do

[@mrmacgregorshomestead233]

Also double check that you have the right type and style of bulbs. 2 filaments or one? That may be a deciding factor.

[@jamesfranks3267]

I have power to brake switch without the pedal pressed. Why??

[@justinbennett7842]

Im having this problem on my 97, ive changed the brake switch already and still have no power from the brake switch. Am i missing something ?

[@snaggdiggler]

Check for a broken wire right above the brake switch, pedals moving wear through the wires sometimes. And there is a good possibility that your MFS is bad, the turn signal in the steering column. Even your brake lights run through it. The MFS controls if the turn signal or brake light lights up

[@justinbennett7842]

@@snaggdiggler turn signals work fine, but i know my wipers have that intermittent issue with stopping and going as they please, and just discovered yesterday my front hazards dont work. However i also found a relatively thick orange wire that appeared to have been ripped out of somewhere going to the brake pedal switch. Ive temporarily ran it to the power wire for my headlights and my brake lights are working again. Gonna assume thats the problem, but i dont know where it is actually supposed to go, so thatll be the next thing to figure out

[@tonydanczyk2130]

Great video led me right to my problem

[@gearsb.2316]

Thank you!!!!!! :)

[@alexthechevyguy4213]

Okay, my brake lights work, and my turn signals as well, but I have no tail lights, and if I turn my headlights on, I have no brake/turn lights, already switched the tail light boards, and all the bulbs are good. I’m stuck

[@wesleyswinson2836]

I'm having same issue It was my plug at firewall was melted some so I thought that was it It ended up being the connector at the wire harness I bought a new one it worked perfect except I rigged my multifunction switch or whatever it's called can't get the proper name for mine

[@alexthechevyguy4213]

@@wesleyswinson2836 is it under the instrument cluster? Above the steering column?

[@vick6562]

I have the exact same issue. Did you get it figured out ?

[@AlexRodriguez-yy9cm]

My tailights are always on, when I step on the brake pedal third light turns on and the taillights turn off. Everything else works like its supposed too. Anyone else have the same problem?

[@DALDAL-m5u]

THANK YOU