DIY Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra Taillight Repair How to Test and Repair Tail Lamp Wiring Brake Light

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This video walks through the process I used to diagnose and repair the tail lamp issue I was having on my 1998 Chevy K1500. I had no blinkers, brake lights, reverse lamps or taillights. the process shown in this video will be the same or similar on many other vehicles including many GMC pickups and SUVs. S10, Jimmy, Blazer, Sierra, Silverado, Sonoma and many more. The taillight wire colors shown in this video may vary on different makes and models, so you'll want to go through the process of verifying the wire color running to each of the tail lamp operations, brake light, blinker, backup light (reverse) taillight. No Tail Light Repair Tail Lamp Replacement Brake Light Not Working No Reverse Lights Blinker Not Working No Brake Lights. How to replace brake light bulb, taillight bulb, backup bulb.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Mark Jenkins, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Mark Jenkins assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Mark Jenkins recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Mark Jenkins, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Mark Jenkins.

[@nogripes]

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[@wildestcowboy2668]

Mark awesome video. For those of us who have an old 89 GMC truck (farm truck) the video is clear. Thanks again Mark

[@grandparolie]

Ok guys at times the circuit board goes bad that’s what just happened to mine last week and when he tested the signal light it was blinking real fast when that happens one of the front bulbs might be bad so if you ever see your signal light on your dash board get down and check it might be the front one or back one and the guy that posted this video I bet it’s going to help a lot of people.

[@damincobozeman4114]

I have exact same problem on the exact same truck n this video. Fix the ground wire and changed the boards and checked the wires but still the same problem. No running lights are signal lights in the rear. Only drive side brake light and reverse lights. Any info to fix the problem would greatly appreciated

[@Luke9276]

This is the best video on KZbin for taillight repair. Thanks.

[@abztrakGFX]

Just wanted to come back to your video & give you A BIG THANK YOU! I was in process of installing a tail gate light bar & this helped100% to the T!

[@meanhombre6]

Thank you for posting this video... this video help lots with my Silverado tail lights.

[@ChevroletTough]

Super helpful. My running tail lights stopped on my 2000 k3500. Brakes, turn and hazard all work. Fuses checked. Ordered a new switch, but I suspect a wire issue. I’ll be testing, thankyou!

[@blackfrost273industries4]

Dude. Really helpful. Straight forward. The only thing I'd have to request, via personal opinion only, discussion of fuse box troubleshooting. Anyway, I appreciated. Keep doing your thing.

[@sandylogeson7535]

Mark, thank you so much for the very informative video. You helped me diagnose the issue on my 1996 Chevy C1500 (tail lamp circuit board corroded).

[@radarpalmer4410]

thanks Mark. Most of the guys on the net don't know their stuff, I subscribed to get the skinny the first time instead of looking all over. Thanx

[@keithbartlett7679]

You should have a foam insert for the bulb plates/circuit board. Helps keep moisture etc out.. good vid.

[@19491Tommy]

I have a 1992 GMC CK1500 with rear tail light problems too . The signal lights also don't work when the running lights are on, and the brake lights are really dim when they do work . My truck also has the electric brake hook up, as well as the trailer hook up. Yours is the first video I've watched. When you showed the underside of your truck's wiring, it looked a lot like mine . Thanks for explaining the color wire that works the different functions !

[@ralphsisk9973]

Mark I would like to say a big Thank You for sharing this video! 🤠👍👍👍👍👍It was a Big Help thanks again 😀👍👍👍👍

[@jonjackson1901]

Hey Mark, I've got a cluster f*** of wires from where the previous owner removed harness connectors, added trailer wiring, electric brake wiring, and added led bumper lighting for spot lights and license plate. I'm In the process of swapping out for a nicer truck bed and bumper and won't need electric brakes and bumper lighting. Thought this would be a plug and play, but now it's not. Any suggestions? This is for a 1997 GMC Seirra.

[@randomtube8226]

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?

[@markthomas4083]

Many thanks, so good in general, quick and informative.

[@JamesFJacob]

Thanks for your video! Gave me some hope to get my truck fixed!

[@rellasylvester5723]

Thanks ...helped me ...we checked by my pedal? After checking wires underneath...wires didn't even meet the plug...I think I found the issue with my truck!!..

[@roberthowe3752]

I can't get my back right blinker to work or break light but the running light works any ideas?

[@davidhill7234]

Yes it was! The best one so far 😎

[@danielhughes5932]

How can the blinker be the brake light on flash? So what happens when you brake while signalling

[@MotorPressReviews]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@terryrobinsonsr.8327]

How can I spice these connections together for tail lights and turn signals left and right and brake light ?? Black is ground and comes from front ground connected to frame chassis and battery ?? Been having issues with driver side brake light working every thing else works but main supply wires have no factory connector so it has been very complicated to fix and get working properly !! Please helyp explain what no parts store could help or solve +! Thank you !! I got a lot out of this video that helps explain some of this issue and problems to deal with and solve on my own simply !!

[@TheJrm1111]

both of my reverse lights are out & this may help me solve the problem I guess if I find a ground problem by the spare, right? I had a problem before & it turned out to be a ECC fuse, which also involved the inside cab light. That light is on so I am hoping it IS a ground problem. Thanks for the test info. Very helpful!

[@pedroza1029]

John Murphy did you fix yours reverse lights

[@joshuaavila3609]

Did you ?

[@joshuaavila3609]

pedroza1029 did you fix your reverse lights

[@coeneschamaun1735]

Hi! Nice video! I am so frustrated! I have all bulbs working, both taillight pigtail connectors functioning properly (continuity to bulbs is ok). I have turn signals, but NO brakelights. Im trying to understand the schematic, and I think ive decided that brake switch is ok (white wire on the directional connector), which has power when brake pedal is depressed (ie, power is on/off when pedal is pressed, or not). But, still can't get any brake lights. Its a 88 Siverado, I dont think there's a "relay", but I'm not certain. I dont know what else to check.... 😥😥

[@JohnDisque]

Very helpful - Thanks.

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

very helpful....thanks

[@deeohem3840]

Ten likes bro. Thank you for this.

[@damincobozeman4114]

In the video I’m having the exact same problem but you never showed how you fixed the problem are what caused the problem. At the big connection plug under the truck I’m not getting power on a test light but the driver side brake light is working

[@damianskrobe999]

quick question, i got the same truck as you. then the left back tail lights went out turn singnal also. i replaced all 3 bulbs and i notice the very top bulb wont work, everythig else worked, than i looked on the right side and i noticed the top bulb also doesnt work but everything else does work, do you have any clue why the top bulb on both side wont work?? would really appreciate some feed back this video helped alot man!!

[@luissonoma6255]

Is that black ground wire supposed to be screwed to the frame or bed at some point coming back out of the harness. Mines is just dangling out of the wire loom.

[@coeneschamaun1735]

Did you ever discover why it was dangling? I would guess it is supposed to enter the harness, but, at some point, secure a decent ground onto the frame or body.

[@luissonoma6255]

@@coeneschamaun1735 Not really, there was an extra wire that was an auxiliary power wire though; don’t remember if it was the black one or some other color.

[@JamesBrown-ei8wc]

How do you wire your tail light if there's no brown wire coming out of your pony tail?

[@claytongrabill33]

brake lights and blinker lights work in the back and then I turn my headlights on and I don't get nothing in back what does that mean

[@dons7352]

I have the same problems with mine

[@bigbigrichie]

The Ground wire behind the code reader plug under drivers side dash...

[@Hector_lsx]

Same with mine. 🤔

[@19491Tommy]

I have a 1992 GMC with the same, exact problem. I worked on it today . I will check the ground behind the code reader .

[@joegarcia8878]

How did you fix your problem

[@Cbwilson95]

having a problem on my 97 blowing dash lights almost every other day just bought it has a brake controller and a mess of wires I'm about to dive into

[@mexicanboi2161]

Hey 1991 Chevy c1500 , I’m getting my turn single but no brake light and nothing from the like green wire what could it be ?

[@donaldloes3427]

Thank you. I needed that helpful

[@ScottAnguiano-c7g]

Thanks again for the information

[@sk8ter975]

thanks for making this vid. Exactly what tool are you using to test the electrical signal to each light? I'd like to get one.

[@chrisiverson257]

sk8ter975 called a test light. any auto parts store has them.

[@sixstringsinthekeyofblues.3927]

Well mine is a 92 1500, replaced both connector plates and all the bulbs as this truck has over 200k and it appears nothing or nobody has been in here ever or a LONG time. Funny part is and I'm not really laughing, but you can at my expense, The problem was to start with was the brake light on the left was not working and It's still not. Even with all new parts. Gonna check the connector with the 4 wires, but the blinker on the Left is working but not when you press on the brake pedal. Any idea at this time would be great. :). Enjoyed the video and figure with it I'll get it figured out. I'm 69 and ever since I started driving many moons ago I'd rather get an ass beating from my dad's cowboy belt than chase down elec. problems on anything, car or truck!!!

[@DarkLinkAD]

It seems, if your wiring your rear blinker to external/additional blinkers you have to deal with not having a blinking function while pressing the brakes. Im guessing , no way around this.

[@CharliesHotRodGarage]

Okay so if the light green wire is the reverse what color is the reverse wire on the driver side

[@ivansanchez8394]

My back up lights and driver side blinker on the back does no work and on the front only one lights comes on? What could be the problem?

[@dickdickums5409]

Only helpful video I found thank you

[@detroit_diesel_6.5l16]

Hi Mark, good video but I have a question. When the turn signal wire and brake wire on the right side and on the left side are together, the right and left turn signals will always work together. If you use the right turn signal, the left turn signal will also flash because of the connection via the brake wire. I've tried it on myself and my blinker always work together. where is the mistake?

[@coeneschamaun1735]

As others have mentioned, there's a small circuit behind the bulbs that might be bad. But, the first step is to check (with the power test lightl shown in the video) the connector at each taillight to make sure they are working correctly. As in, when the right turn signal is on, the left one should NOT be on, etc. If they both come on, then your wiring has a short circuit further up the line.

[@TaserTot]

How do you differentiate between hazard lights and turn signal? My rear hazards come on when I hit my right turn signal.

[@broandrew7594]

Me too

[@Pursnikity_20022]

hey mark, i gotta weird problem with my rear Flashers / Signals Short Version.. Hazards on : Two lower lights light up Left Signal : All three left flash including right reverse only Right Signal : Just top right signal lights up All Lights on : Both Left / Right's light up including reverse Confusing right? Ive replaced both rear boards, all lights, one circular fuse and the small square fuse under the steering wheel. including the Multifunction switch. and still the same prob. any ideas?

[@tomtumelty5157]

I have put a flatbed on my 2004 gmc dually. I am working on lights for left side of pickup first. I can get blinkers, and running light on back to work but not brake light. Any ideas ? Thank You.

[@EYVOAuto]

Having this exact problem 7 years later... haha

[@oscarbecerra3473]

I have a 1993 GMC suburban 2500 AND when i turn on my headlight my reverse light comes on any suggestions on what it can be if so i would really appreciate some help

[@TheBossxr8]

Hi just wondering would this be the same for the left side testing also

[@Bart12349]

I am having a problem with the backup light on driver side and the backup lights on the 3rd light above the cab. New bulbs, checked fuses. Replace tail light junction harness box next.

[@18jonathan1998]

I don’t have no parking light but brake turn signal, reversed do work on both

[@dopeheathen]

Hello, I was pulled over the other day for not having a brake light/blinker on the left side of my truck. I replaced the bulbs, but could not get the bottom bulb out of the socket. I checked to see if the blinker was working after replacing the top and middle bulb and it was not. I'm just wondering if the bottom bulb is the main bulb that would cause it not to work. I ask my local parts store and they said it could be the tail light circuit board. Any help?

[@losmor6077]

dopeheathen hi my tail lights don't work brake lights work only when head lights are off any suggestions

[@mikehunt1418]

Thanks bud VERY Helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ZEPR0FESS0RR]

I have a unique problem, I have a 1997 Chevy Silverado and my brake light and blinker (both on the driver side) does not work. I replaced the bulbs and that did not work so then I continued testing and found that at night when my lights are on the bulbs are on. It's just my brake and blinker. I then checked the fuses and none were blown.... I was going to replace the circuit board on the taillight next , does that sound like a wiring issue?

[@jackjones372]

I have a 1997 Chevy Cheyenne c1500 and the reverse lights dont work. on either side. Bulbs were good ( I know this since i switched the bulbs into the Brake light socket since those went out ). Since the reverse lights werent coming on , I utilized the bulbs to serve as the brake lights. Until I figure out what is wrong. I went and bought a Backup light switch for it , Cause I am guessing that it possibly has gone out. Any advice ?

[@zachthinks4737]

Jack Jones I got the same problem bro. I think it might be the panel I'm not sure but gonna find out today going to Napa to get a new panel.

[@LeBen55]

My problem is the circuit board, the ground is not going to the reverse light. Does not seems to be possible to fix this. Any idea ?

[@texasjoker5897]

Got an 85 chevy an my light bulbs wont go in the socket if i manage to get the bulbs in they wont turn to make contact an they get stuck in the socket they are the right bulbs any suggestions

[@daringriffin4203]

my 2003 Silverado doesn't have the connector shown at 4:00. Can't seem to figure out why my tail light doesn't flash and blinks fast in the column. I've tried replacing the bulbs, checking fuses, and tracking wires for good connections.

[@coeneschamaun1735]

Usually a fast blink indicates a burned out bulb somewhere else.

[@carissaj2000]

My side markers in front on my 1995 dont work already replaced bulbs but still not working, i have the same problem with my license plate light

[@The7jason7]

on mine, the right side both bulbs light up for the tail lights but on the left side only the top bulb lights up for tail light and the middle one is just stop and turn, on the right side the middle is stop, turn, tail. what could be the problem?

[@aunicabrown4476]

i got all lights but wen I turn on my right signal it starts to flash in DA front but goes out in DA back what do u think it is

[@johnnyjohnzelsolopodcaster7924]

What is the name of that test you ran and when it flashes does that mean there’s a problem or when the bulb stays on does that mean there’s a problem?

[@celuler22]

Since no one answered u its a test light it just shows there isnpower going through there and the ground is working it only lights under power so the flashing would be like a turn signal is on or a dodgy connection somewhere

[@royallen6832]

i have a 1990 i check all my wire and replaced my trails to brand new ones and i cant get the tail light to work or the without all the bulbs lighting up any ideas?

[@merrigan85]

Try to replace the headlights switch

[@vickiecox9528]

On drivers side on my 99 silverado tail light works but when u hit petal no lights at all but when u let up the petal tail lights come back on only on drivers side

[@charlietamez1225]

here's what nobody has been able to video. I have 98 Chevy Cheyenne (1500). when I really press on the female end into the male end hard my turn sigs and brake lights work. once I let go no turn sigs no brake lights. ive replaced circuitry board, bulbs all that. works for about a month then they don't work anymore unless I replace them. hell I had a guy drill a hole somewhere in the female end and zip tie it hard to the male end. it worked for about 8-9 months....now that doesn't work anymore. I want a video to show how to cut and splice the female end of both driver and passenger to make it longer. thing is the female end and male end don't make a connection unless theyre really pressed together hard its like theyre loose or like the female end is not able to reach the male end. ive also replaced the rubber pieces on the female end....nothing could you advise?

[@lawrencej8502]

I had the same problem, so I cleaned everything up and slightly bent each male end in the opposite direction from the adjacent ones and reconnected. Problem solved for me.

[@angelnighthawk9573]

My issue is with the brake lights, I changed the switch under the Dash, and nothing,, Checked the Trailer hitch connection,, nothing.. All I can think of is, it has to be a ground wire.. But we're it is I have no clue..

[@enzoorciuoli328]

yes 3rd lite only but not corner brake lites at back @@nogripes

[@KingDavidX1982]

Same with my 99 but I don't get anything on my 3rd brake light.

[@isaiahdaquioag8708]

Do you know which is the ground on the circuit board? Pressing brakes with hazards on makes the hazards not flash

[@coeneschamaun1735]

That is normal operation. Emergency flashers stay on solid when brake is pressed.

[@ebd5048]

Dude you’re wrong lol the brake and running lights are together. One wire for both.

[@comeing900]

Very useful

[@mamalonaobs]

Hey my reverse lights aren’t showing there’s no fire going thru the cable I checked all my cables

[@Michael_Kerstein]

so why is the black wire under by the spare tire hot? ground shouldnt be hot

[@marshafrancis3048]

put foot on brakes, the turn signal flashes. Turn on the head lights it goes dim and still flashes fast. l put in a new brake switch Still flashes fast . HELP

[@kendallbrown7370]

Very informative.

[@trentwhite9127]

Does anyone know we're the ground wire is for a tail light on a 2001 GMC Jimmy SLS I have one tail light both brake lights turn signals and reverse lights I have already changed the switch an checked all fuses are still good

[@johnhyatt9277]

We it

[@joshsharp3732]

i got 91 silverado everything works with headlights off when turn headlights on i have no brake lights if i turn turn signal on it wont blink stays soild while other side comes on but dim. no tail lights 4 ways work fine with or without headlights on what could it be how fix it ??

[@kathleenhiatt7274]

Me too! I just read it is the ground located under the steering wheel behind the code reader plug. Did you ever get your problem solved?

[@juanmoreno5187]

I got a 04 Chevy Silverado you know why my break light don’t come on at night they work when you push the breaks down tho

[@Alexmechanic559]

Replace the light. The light has 2 circuits. One is open and the other one which is the brake light does have continuity. Replace the bulb

[@reginaldmorrell9085]

My taillights and break lights goes out when I turn on headlights. What's the problem

[@reginaldmorrell9085]

On a.1993 chevy 1500

[@joshuaavila3609]

My reverse light is the only one not working on both sides

[@RickPreciado]

same please update if fixed. thanks

[@sadboiiuloff5508]

Damn, going through all these comment sections about these trucks having all these problems, makes it seem like GM didn't know what the hell they were doing for like 8 years.

[@sunnydaze7580]

My thoughts exactly...I only came around to this realization after researching why my 04 Silverado 4.3 had a weak idle. Turns out I needed to upgrade my ground wires, which I have done on all of my vehicles and seen a noticeable improvement. Safe to assume that all 99-07 GM vehicles need full electrical upgrades. GM has actually come out and admitted to faulty wiring for these model years and recommended that people upgrade. Nice but still shy of doing a proper recall, which they should have done. But I guess just like all DIY projects, once you know how to do it, you'll never pay somebody else to do it again! Honestly for 4 decades I didn't know any of this stuff and now I'm happy to be so confident about it. I always wind up looking at people's ground wires if they ever have the hood up.

[@194jony]

My running lights work but my brake lights do not light up when i hit the brake and it blows the fuse instantly when i try to put a fuse in the brake spot i already swapped the brake light switch on the pedal

[@alexanderreyes47]

Try looking at the third brake light wiring. My entire third brake assembly was corroded and I had to replace it. I bet the issue is up there.

[@Ian-of9oi]

2:57 trying to fix my buddy’s truck. I have signal lights, back up lights but no brake lights and no tail lights? It’s been hacked up.

[@gmoney9792]

helpfull

[@CustomArmor]

anybody know where the ground bolt is ?

[@nickbrown8704]

I got a 95 Chevy pickup and I'm blow n fuses such as my dash and park lamps wen I turn my head lights on I changed da BAK right tail light assembly all came on but still blows fuses please help a brutha

[@brendentaylor8976]

Exposed wire

[@TripTheLineFantasic]

Nice

[@stennycustom]

is it the same for 1992 k1500?

[@AntonioGonzalez-ys5ve]

Joe Stenny 88-98 are all similar

[@talpash]

Will this work on a 2004 Silverado?

[@talpash]

I switch to 4 wire Square LED Tail lights .Had them on for the last Year and had a tech install them .Paid almost $5oo. Now my passenger tail light doesn`t work...stop/signal and hazard light....My running lights work. Confused as to what`s going on? Any help would be appreciated.

[@eternalpromise4674]

thank you

[@moniqueunique7457]

Can someone tell me where to locate the fuse that goes to the horn in my 1999 Chevy Silverado truck

[@talpash]

Fuse box under the Hood.

[@diannetucker1984]

when iturn my head lights on ihave no tail lights can you help

[@18jonathan1998]

dianne tucker same problem did u find the problem

[@eternalpromise4674]

say my dashboard and taillights when out at the same time...i changed the fuse and it fixed then it happened again....what do u think chevy silverado 91

[@rodneywade7795]

eternal promise same happened to me in march, and still can't figure it out . you ever find out what it was ?

[@kendallbrown7370]

nice video!!

[@marshafrancis3048]

forgot to mention that it is a 2002 yukon denali xl

[@MFAMOUSTRUCKER]

So my chevys taillights go out when I turn the steering wheel what would cause that

[@milyc3]

INFOWARRIOR 1776 ignition switch

[@AntonioGonzalez-ys5ve]

Maybe bad clockspring

[@toddoster2099]

When i step on my break's the reverse lights come on

[@sunnydaze7580]

Sometimes aftermarket wire harnesses have a couple wires reversed and you need to switch them around. This happened on a fuel pump I recently installed.

[@michaelsherman4203]

I have a 2000 Chevy z71 truck

[@alfredgonser3467]

My brake lights do not work

[@valentinsierra2099]

thank you man.....

[@hulaganz]

You could have picked the connector from the socket and done it right. Neoprene gasket for bulb mounting board. But the use of dielectric grease is the worst. Dielectric grease is NOT conductive. It is a surface sealer for connector bases and anti corrosion AFTER the connection is made. Use Aluminum oxide grease which Is conductive and has a grit to it , verrry sparingly on the contact surfaces to give the best connection.

[@coeneschamaun1735]

I also thought dialectic grease was being used incorrectly. Isn't that what they sell you when you buy a new battery? To slobber all over the terminal, after it's connected?

[@elcheapoluzman5380]

u should never touch your bulbs w yur fingers let alone w grease on yur fingers