Mysterious Tail Light Symptoms on 99-07 Silverado

One way to repair several symptoms of the tail light / brake light / turn signals / license plate lights on the 1999-2007 Silverado.
The LED work light I'm using is from ATD Saber, but is discontinued...a similar light is available here: amzn.to/3DQ8RLy
New module here if you need it
amzn.to/3Au7Zw5
I receive small commissions from these links. Thank you!
#Chevy #GMC #Chevrolet #Brake lights Hazard lights #Ground fault #Tail Lights #Short circuit #Wiring #License plate lights #Bad ground #Wire #Flashing brake lights #chevy silverado #corrosion

[@charleslonghenry2725]

I just ripped out my whole interior to try and find this problem and then I see this while taking a break 🙃 thanks for the info!!!

[@JonathanEasterlin]

Really appreciate that man! '99 Tahoe with crazy symptoms, replaced lots of parts, I think you just changed my life forever.

[@colladoda0474]

JOE!!!!! You are Godsent my friend!!!! I couldn't track what the issue was and kept spinning my wheels on this issue...you hit it right on the nose. Keep doing what you do!!!!

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Thanks! So glad this helped you. Also, that’s an excellent uniform in your profile picture!

[@djjasonhooper9882]

Dude, this was so helpful! I had the same issue and I was about ready to give up, but this was the problem and the fix! Thank you for posting this!

[@colinbradbury6147]

Thanks!! This was the exact issue I was having. Same terminal/pin as well. Thinking this is a common gremlin showing up over time on the 07-13 silverados and sierras. Great video

[@southernexposure123]

Great work with trouble shooting, explanations, camera work, lighting, editing etc. Thanks for sharing. My problem might have a similar solution. My right turn signal on my truck works, but II can't get the right turn wire that sends voltage to my trailer to work. Your video gives me a starting place. Thanks for sharing.

[@heterodox3487]

Excellent troubleshooting and repair. Thanks for posting!

[@christopherbarnes7237]

Exactly the issue with my 09 Silverado! Thanks for the video, I just used a small point driver to move the socket over with some pressure, to accept the pin. First try, everything is back to normal! It only affected my left signal, when signaling, left signal dimly blinked along with both license plate lights, thanks alot for the insight!

[@utubemessiah]

The best video yet! And to think! Everyone buy’s resistors for there new taillight conversion kit when all they have to do is check the connector pins! This helped me fix my hyper light issue on driver side rear taillight of my Escalade. Thanks for the Idea (IN A WAY)😀

[@Fyre8c]

THANKS! My 97 K2500 was showing signs of a gremlin similar to yours. My story is my turn signals began flashing at three times speed when used, for months I couldn't figure out why. Tonight, I am driving down the road and I get pulled over by a good neighbor claiming my running and brake lights are not working. I pull over, check fuses over and over trying to find the source, nothing! I come home look up the issue on the internet and see your video. So, although my wiring harness does not hook up anything like yours, I noticed when chasing the wires coming from the front hooking up to the rear were good. I chased further and noticed the ground wiring bolt looked loose. I grabbed the bolt and sure enough I could move the connection. I tighened the bolt and just like that! Fixed. So thanks for the inspriation to look in that location for the gremlin.

[@christianchiles4500]

😅😢

[@davedeaver7860]

🎉I can't believe i found your video and that we had the same issues! After spending time and throwing money at the problem and thanks to you and your step by step explanation,it turned out that i had the same dam problem!! Thanks a million 👍

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Awesome! So glad I could help you.

[@danegaskell7992]

I'm having that exact problem. Great video, thanks for sharing that. Huge upvote.

[@MrFortnoxtt]

Thank You.!!! Similar issue, half lit signals and no tail lamp. I wiggled the connector and every light worked. I will proceed to remove and blow out each connector. Because of your video, I spent less than ten minutes on this project....

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Awesome! So glad this helped you! Thanks for your feedback.

[@javieraviles6314]

same exact problem i was about to give up . i eliminate the bumper and i got me now i got it . thanks for your time .

[@waynefilmalter8516]

Awesome video !! Thanks man, been scratching my head trying to get my rear stop & flasher lights working on my truck. I knew it had to be a grounding issue.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Awesome! Thanks for your feedback.

[@tombrownrigg8794]

Thank you Nice work. I have a 04 Chevy 3/4 ton. Tail lights have been a headache 👍

[@waderobertson3328]

Thank you so much! I’ve had this issue for years, and have tried multiple fixes. I’m going to give this a try ASAP

[@robertjoyce8527]

Having the same problem on 2001 Silverado 2500 HD. Going to give this a try. Thank you.

[@mantioneg]

Awesome thank you. My 02 Chevy avalanche 1500 Z71 just did this to my right side rear lights. I found that out working on my back up camera and my license plate lights need to be replaced as well. I'll try this before buying a whole new box.

[@perryadams7500]

I just bought a 2004 Chevy avalanche for my son and I'm having an issue as well. At first the whole passenger tail light was very dim so I changed the junction box and thought I had it fix. Now it lights up fine but when I press the break one of the bulbs on the same side goes dark. I'm going to try and replace the harness connector and hopefully it works. Mine is the grey one as well.

[@steves5355]

Great vid, found it looking why my driver side stop quit working all of a sudden even changed bulb with one known to be good .

[@jamesgilbert6363]

Great job. Been working on my driver side taillight not working. All pins look good. Replaced the old junction board for previous problems. Don't have wiring diagram. Kidda stuck.

[@BroadwayJoe49]

Hey Joel, first and foremost your video was very informative and provided me some things I can troubleshoot. I changed my headlight/parking switch in my 98' chevy silverado ck2500 truck in an attempt to resolve my instrument cluster lights to come on, as well as my parking lights/tail/license ate lights. I damaged plate socket trying to remove the blown out bulbs. I'll check the back circuit panel underneath as shown on the video. Mindful, this was not an issue a month ago. Is there anything else I should try? Thanks in advance.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Should start with the basics. See if the switches are sending power down the circuits, check all factory ground points for the harnesses, check other harness parts for wear.

[@phillipbeane8918]

Man I'm going in after I eat dinner. This sounds like my problem. Blessings!

[@peytonsmallwood4616]

At first when my grandpa owned the truck the headlights stopped working as a “temporary” fix he wired them to the ignition that solved tbat problem, when I got the truck after he passed the brake lights stopped working and not the right turn signal won’t work but the left one does

[@chrisdivido195]

I'm checking mine tomorrow same exact problem

[@brandonj8724]

Thank you!

[@unknownpersonally1612]

Thank you very much

[@stuartgriffin5.7]

THANK YOU!!!

[@Guns_and_silver]

I have an 03 Silverado and my reverse lights won’t turn off any ideas?

[@alfonzojones7575]

thanks, wish that I would have found this video before the other 6.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I went through the same process which made me want to share my experience. Glad this helped you.

[@b1blazin13]

Similar symptoms 4 me too. Trailer lights won't work at all either. I've replaced the combo flasher, multi function signal switch, brake switch. When I replaced the brake switch it was perfect for the day but then it came back. I tried checking grounds but they all have good voltage unless I'm missing something. What do you think since u are the only guy on YT with similar issue. My plug isn't burnt & looks good should I try replacing the panel? Thanks.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

You can try the panel, but I would start testing the wiring at the front of the truck and work your way back. It will be a painstaking process. You may have other ground issues that you’re not seeing. Your new brake switch could have failed also. It happens sometimes-get a brand new defective part. You may need to inspect your whole harness for the tail lights and trailer to see if there’s evidence of other corrosion.

[@lacidari]

Good Post

[@BRED23]

My rear left blinker doesn’t turn on and the front left are on but don’t flash. When I turn hazards on the right side flashes normal bit again the left side front stays on no flashing and the rear turn signal bulb stays off every other light on the tail light works tried 2 new bulbs notnuing

[@kobifiatoa7692]

When my headlights are off my brake lights and led brake light bar work just fine but when my headlights are on my brake lights don’t come on but my led brake light bar does. Cant find a video that has a solution.

[@richardweddington3583]

My 1500 Silverado did the exact same thing, signals lighting up when you brake, reverse lights going out when I brake, just all kinda weird stuff. I thought I had gremlins lol but yeah that junction block is an issue on these trucks. Put some dielectric grease in those plugs it'll help a little. So how's your frame doing on your truck? My truck has stage 4 terminal frame cancer.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Hahaha. Frame is good considering age. I’d like to clean it up and fluid film it.

[@thepressureson23]

Similar issues here. Service airbag light came on and I happened to notice the next day right Turn signal hyper flashing. Front working fine rear is out. And today I notice when I hit the brakes The right rear doesn't come on. Reverse lights stay on when in drive. I can tell there's definitely a I noticeable difference in the Brightness on each. Left license plate light is out too. I just seen a video that a guy was having his shoes Like this cause from Air bag system. My 07 new body style has stage five Frame rot. You never guess it looking at the body. Gotta love michigan winters! I guess I'll start with this harness in the back. And then check my connections For the harnesses under the seats. Thanks for the video man!

[@billberka2646]

My 05 1500 is having this exact issue right now! But only when I try to use the turn signal. Lights work normally as long as you don't try and turn. Just started tonight randomly

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I’d love to know if you find a similar issue.

[@billberka2646]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY will keep you posted. Gonna pull it apart tomorrow. Thank you so much for this video. It really shed some light on what the issue could be!

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@billberka2646 You’re welcome. Don’t forget that bad grounds are also an issue sometimes.

[@billberka2646]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY so I wasn't able to get dive in and play around with what could be going wrong today as I had hoped to due to other obligations. But I discovered something really interesting. Took the truck for a quick run, blinker and everything including trailer light's were working just fine. Then the problem randomly resurfaced. So for the hell of it shut the truck off and started it back up again. No problems. Really weird issue. I'm gonna have to tackle it this weekend

[@MrBowNaxe]

Good stuff Joe! I'm trouble shooting why my '99 Suburban reverse lights come on when you turn on the running lights... Same type of issue, I was messing with my trailer plug looking for a hot wire for a back-up camera and now I have this issue. Any thought? I'll be looking thru your library for anything similar. Thanks for sharing.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Did you end up wiring the backup camera in yet? Maybe you’ve attached it between those two circuits thinking one of them was a ground?

[@MrBowNaxe]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY not yet... I was looking for power for it when I messed with my trailer plug. Found it! The reverse wire (center) came loose and was jammed between the hot lead pin and the running light pin. Tore apart plug and rewired it.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@MrBowNaxe Awesome!

[@MrBowNaxe]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY any suggestions on the backup camera???

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@MrBowNaxe I would get power directly from the reverse bulb wiring in the tail light. That way you know you’re good to go. There should only be two wires on the reverse bulb socket.

[@crusader8255]

So I installed some 03-06 Silverado taillights on my 2000 Silverado the left rear DRL lights don’t turn on at all but rest of lights work.. could it be a faulty wire or bad harness?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I would say put the old light back in as a test. If it works then your new light is defective.

[@highrise4588]

Idk what’s wrong with my truck but I got a 2000 Silverado 1500 and when I press the brakes the blinkers shut off completely untill you let off the brake! I just got a new bumper as well but the symptom is on and off. Sometimes it works when I press the brake and sometimes it don’t. Any ideas please?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Check your grounds.

[@univrsl5626]

please i need help!!! added led tailights to my truck and now the running lights work but no brake light or turn signals, but when i hit the hazards the turn signals work… i’ve already replaced the flasher relay and i don’t know what else to do…

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Okay. Did everything work before?

[@MikeSmith-nu9wt]

Who wired the trailer plug ? Mine was like that , im guilty 14 years ago on mine , I just unplugged it to look , then I read the trailer threeway plug in trailer harness instructions ..

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I think my truck has an OEM trailer plug. I don’t think anyone else has changed it.

[@scottgoveiareptiles]

I having this problem now on my 03 Chevy avalanche

[@johnleedy2245]

It’s a ground issue, when your lights start acting funky, the electricity is running through all the lights looking for a good ground. I had a very similar issue including when I put on the brake lights the others would go, some would go dim when I used the turn signal etc. I simply spliced into the ground wire (black) to one of my tail lights and ran a new ground a screwed it directly into the body of the truck bed. Wallah, problem solved all the way around.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

In my case my grounds and harnesses were good. There was a pin inside this blue plug that was improperly installed at the factory.

[@rickbrattin1118]

Actually if there was a video for this. I need it. I literally don’t have break lights gotta use my hi beams to light up my break lights

[@bluejfishin3995]

@@rickbrattin1118 did you ever resolve your problem ?

[@kikosoto158]

So as like most of you, my issue is when I press the brake pedal to my 2001 Chevy Silverado… the right signal light comes on steady, and the front Right blinker lamp and Right Rear lamp (parking) lights come on steady. Please help I’ve replaced all bulbs and problem still persist.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

You should start by checking your grounds.

[@anastasialabeaud9924]

My sons truck has this exact problem. He replaced the flasher module still no luck. He checked all the plugs in the rear and everything is brand new looking. Please help us!

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

There may be bad grounds on his truck. I don’t the location of all of them, but there is info on that online.

[@forsakenmusicpaintballandg5632]

I have a 99 Chevy GMT-400 and this junction doesn’t seem to exist as hard as I’ve looked any advice?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Hmmm. Not sure. I thought they’d be the same for these years.

[@michaelwalker5943]

I'm having issues with only brake light, I will be checking the plugs 😁

[@armandol1826]

What about the third brake light? Mine doesn’t come on, does anyone know the bulb size for it?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Here ya go: amzn.to/45eykNL

[@liljuanito123]

My left taillight and license plate light don't turn on. I've gone back to all halogen and new new harnesses for the driver's and passenger side. I've checked all the fuses, i suspect it is that harness you worked on that is causing my issue. Anyone have a part number for it?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I just replaced that harness recently and I got mine at Rockauto.com

[@liljuanito123]

@JoesCarSmartsNY so i did find a fuse that was out. Brake lights/license plate turn on now but they don't brighten when step on the brake only the 3rd brake light. Love diagnosing these things.

[@crisrios469]

my turn signal works but my brake light and rear light won't turn on any suggestions?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Check bulbs first, then fuses, then I’d check my trailer harness and plugs to see if they’re corroded or anything. Those trailer plugs can also cause a lot of problems. Other than that you’ll have to start checking voltage on those wires to see where you lose the signal to the bulbs.

[@alphagaming7019]

I'm having a similar issue and I don't know what to do anymore..the problem with my 03 chevy silverado is that on the day time my brake lights work fine because my headlights aren't on so once it gets dark and my headlights turn on my right passenger side taillight doesn't work anymore can anyone help me out with some knowledge on how to fix this issue?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I would be looking at the passenger side tail light circuit. Since this is only an issue when the tail lights are on at night, you might have a defective bulb, bad ground or other bad connection at that tail light housing.

[@alphagaming7019]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY I will check it out today see what's the issue

[@Chris-tc5uz]

I just wanted to say thank you for the tip. My 06 GMC Sierra Denali is having the same problem, when my lights are off my blinkers are fine in the rear but when you turn on the running or headlights and hit the blinker both taillights and blinkers flash as well as the third brake light on the cab. I just replaced the flasher under the dash as well as the circuit board where u found the problem so that's where I'm gonna check tomorrow

[@steves5355]

It could have gotten bent on build, and when they plugged it in it worked and passed quality control before they staged it to be loaded on the car hauler

[@nonyer506]

👍👍

[@jackieknight5362]

Was bye far the best video I've seen in awhile explains it so even my grandson could fix keep up the videos explained it too the T 👍👍

[@warrenlouisiana2277]

What about the trailer lights, where do they go

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I think they’re on their own harness and not from this block.

[@richyolvera56]

What’s the blue adapter called ?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

I would call it the tail light module input harness. I’m not sure what GM calls it.

[@AG-dt5hy]

I'm watching this video because this morning at 4 am I noticed I have no right side rear running lights and no right side license plate light neither. My four ways work. It's a 2001 silverado 1500.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Probably the plug that goes to your right side taillights. It’s probably not this blue plug if your left side works okay. Could also be corrosion in your trailer plug. That’s a common problem that’s overlooked as well.

[@AG-dt5hy]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY thank you im going to check that out cause it's also the right license plate light. The left side works fine. Definitely im going to check those plugs. Thanks again

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@AG-dt5hy I know that on my truck the license lights are on the same harness. You may find a bad bulb on the license light and a bad connection in the right side harness

[@gabepedraza1378]

@@AG-dt5hy what was the issue? Did you get it fixed?

[@kristenstillstanding7084]

I need help with my tail light bulb and right tail light fuse # Red fuse 10 keeps popping I'm trying to get it fixed for court anyone can help me I'm in Birmingham Alabama

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

That can be tricky to repair. A fuse that keeps blowing probably means that the wires going to the tail light are damaged somewhere. I would probably start by looking carefully at the wiring behind the tail light and see if there’s any damage. After that the whole harness from front to rear needs to be inspected. It can be challenging. Hopefully you find something damaged behind one of the lights and can repair it.

[@lsx_evan]

i have a 2000 silverado and my rear left brake light doesnt work when ever i brake. the running lights use to work and when ever id brake it wouldnt light up, now it just doesnt light up at all its super dim and i dont know how to fix it. ive checked all the fuses, ive changed the rear tail light circuit board and nothing has fixed it. if anybody else has had this problem and fixed it please tell me how you did it, i cant find any videos that have helped.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

You need to look at all your ground connections. Also, need to start tracing the wires back toward the front of the truck. The signal starts at the brake pedal. Somewhere between there and the back you’re losing connection. It can be a pain.

[@lsx_evan]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY the girl I bought the truck from had no clue what they were doing with wires so I wouldn’t be surprised if she just cut something and didn’t put it back together, my father also says he thinks it’s a ground issue. I look into it, thank you!

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@lsx_evan Okay. You’re welcome. Also take a close look at the trailer plug. I’ve fixed stuff like this by cleaning out badly corroded trailer plugs.

[@lsx_evan]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY this might also play a factor in it, they work when ever I have my parking brake on, but as soon as I release it it stop working.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

@@lsx_evan The brake lights come on with the parking brake? That’s extremely suspicious.

[@gilberttabera4238]

I have no brake lights and no reverse lights?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Hmmm. This truck is also known for having bad grounds. Check all the grounds.

[@topgunpest]

The rust is so bad back east!

[@Drakoki11a]

Did you ever find out what it was?

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

It’s all in the video.

[@shanglang7705]

Always buy the right watts of light bulb or that happens.

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

No bulbs were changed in this project. All factory spec regular bulbs.

[@handgunful]

Okay I’ve done that still acting up

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Time to check your grounds. There are a few on the truck that go bad.

[@kevinwright4998]

Bad ground

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

It’s a bad ground because of a faulty plug. All the physical grounds to the frame are good.

[@tripletherapy2293]

Plastic snd electrical scaring me what if she catches fire

[@coreyneedtoknow3959]

I been 3 week with this horseshit...grounds all shiny, light bulbs, dash signal relay, rear board, trace all the wires...cleaned all the connections...never thought about getting screwed by 1 pin...fml

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

Are you good now? This fix it for you?

[@coreyneedtoknow3959]

@@JoesCarSmartsNY it narrowed down for me...I git it fixed this weekend...after drawing a deeper hate for GM and those that designed the electrical placement, size of wire and such.

[@fladave99]

I would have taken the two wires and butt connected them

[@JoesCarSmartsNY]

The other end is not a wire, it plugs into the light module mounted to the frame.

[@fladave99]

Either way, stout trouble shooting. I have seen a few other YT vids with the same problem but no result like yours. I just bought my 2003 Silverado, mint, 125k miles, new brakes, lines, and ac for $3500. Everything works. Rusty inner bed fenders but frame is good and rust is underneath you dont see. V-6. Do you know if the single cab v6 LB is a 200 or 285 hp? Keep trouble shooting. I will be watching . @@JoesCarSmartsNY

[@JamesSmith-om4qb]

Bill Furry

[@ericcook4665]

I got same kind of problem going on with my 2007 Silverado to of my driver side bulbs arnt working but my break lights work I tried new bulbs but no luck I'm gonna try my little 10 amp fuse or check other fuses maybe I have no idea wth hell is going on my truck has 431000 miles on it it broke down and was in the shop but now running like a top other then my brake light problem go Chevy owners lol