Expy Blowing taillight and brake fuse

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JUST4FUN

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I will tell you to KISS (Keep it simple). Start off by removing both tail lights and unplugging them. Now, remove the 3rd brake light. With all of these disconnected, do a really good look at the plugs to make sure the pins look silver in color and the plastic is not melted.

Next, under the driver's side rear corner, follow the trailer plug harness back to the plug there. Disconnect that plug.

For this next check, you can use any size fuse as long as it is less than the factory one current wise. Install a new fuse and step on the brakes. Did the fuse blow? If yes, then your problem lies in the wiring harness of the truck and this is going to take some hand over hand inspection. I would first start with the steering column, especially if you like to raise and lower it as you get in and out of the truck. This is also a common fault location as the wiring will rub and get the insulation rubbed off, leading to what you are seeing.

If the fuse did not blow, you have a problem with one of your components in the rear. Remove the fuse and put the factory sized fuse in. Connect up the 3rd brake light. Step on the brake and see if the fuse blows. If yes, you have a problem with the 3rd brake light (disconnect the 3rd brake light and find a replacement).

Now, connect the driver's side tail light. Step on the brake. Did the fuse blow? If yes, your problem lies in the driver's side tail light. Do some looking, could be something simple, could be you need a new tail light. It is possible that a bulb is not seated fully and is causing you problems.

Next connect up the passenger side tail light. Step on the brake. Did the fuse blow? If yes, same situation as the driver's side.

If you have reconnected everything and the fuse still has not blown, then odds are your problem lies in the pigtail for your trailer harness. Get a new harness.

Hope this helps.
 
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JUST4FUN

JUST4FUN

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this was posted by Thermo, and is a good diagnostic tool
 

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