Possible short with rear tail light and trailer lights

Asked by bryang55 Feb 01, 2014 at 09:18 PM about the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2003 Tahoe....My rear passenger side tail light went out so I replaced the bulb. That
didn't solve it so I checked fuses inside the cab as well as under the hood. They were
all fine. The other night I hooked up my trailer. At first all was normal but a short time
after i noticed that when I applied the brakes the trailer lights would go out. I went to
check the plug and low and behold my non working tail light was working just fine
again. The brake light issue continued until I was almost home when I noticed the lights
on the trailer weren't going out when I applied the brake. I then checked and of course
tail light was once again gone.

My question: I'm just wondering if there is a area or specific place that a short of this
nature happens rather then having to trouble shoot wiring from front to back. Or maybe
this isn't a short but I would have to think it is. Wondering if theres any feedback out
there that may make my repair process a little easier. Thank You in advance.

3 Answers

Well....easy, the battery has two posts...the negative one is supposed to be attached to the chassis ground/fender...there where the instruments that depend on this hearty ground can be allowed to complete their circuits...well that connection has a layer of corrosion on it....mostly because 300 or more cold cranking amps will form a layer of blue spark corrosion as parts of the lug become part of the chassis and vice-versa...so what we must do is disassemble this main ground lug and wirebrush 'till shiny...the lug and the chassis so the full grounding potential to serve all electrical devices is established.....here and the connection to the motor block (near the alternator) has a hunkin 1/0 cable to it as well....to pull the demands of the starter motor...as well~

4 people found this helpful.

wirebrush to the MAIN ground....and ta....da, the world still turns round und round~

1 people found this helpful.

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