No brake lights or reverse lights not working

Tiny
JBROWN71793
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I’ve had a the truck listed above k1500 for about 2 months. One day the brake lights went out. I have replaced everything I can think of and still can’t get them to work. Here’s a list of everything I have replaced:

Brake light switch
Fuses
Relay
Headlight switch
New tail lights and bulbs
Redid the grounds under bed

I’ve checked the plug on tail lights for power with a test light and the light green wire had no power on both sides I don’t know if that wire should I don’t know much about wiring so just asking for help before I start messing with it.
Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 AT 4:06 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

Did you verify the power to the switch? You should have one wire with power all the time. When you push the pedal, it should light up another wire.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

I attached the wiring diagram for you for the stoplights.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

This sounds like a wiring issue to the rear lamps.

Roy
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Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
JBROWN71793
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, I have verified power at the switch. I’m thinking it’s in the wiring somewhere in the back of the truck. I’m just trying to check with someone who has more experience in this area in case I missed something. I really appreciate your help though. I have never messed with wiring before so that helps a lot. I do know the truck has the 3 way plug for a trailer could an issue be in that?
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Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

The trailer comes off the brake light switch as well. Is there any power to the trailer plug for the brake lights?

Roy
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Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 AT 6:14 PM

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