Posted 2007-07-05 11:03 AM (#63340) Subject: E-brakes come on with taillights
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Watervliet, MI
I just spent an hour reading through the posts and there was a lot to learn and a lot of good information out there. Thanks for your experience and comments.
Problem: 2003 GMC Z-71 with trailering package, 2000 4-star GN w/ LQ and a new B&W hitch. The Brake controller (also new) is a Tekonsha Voyager, connected to the pre-wired connection that came with the truck. Brakes work fine, brake lights are fine, but the e-brakes come on when the the taillights are turned on. I hooked to an older stock trailer and the same thing. My hitch guy is 20 miles away, so for now, I am going out with a test light and do some troubleshooting. Connector is the factory 7-pin and there are no LEDs involved.
While we're at it, how tight do you tighten the set bolts when adjusting the GN height? (Bulldog post w/ two set screws ~1/2 inch).
Posted 2007-07-05 2:24 PM (#63354 - in reply to #63340) Subject: RE: E-brakes come on with taillights
Regular
Posts: 95
Location: Nashville, TN
I'm going to assume the trailer or the truck is new to you. The likelyhood the truck is wired incorrectly is relatively low, so I would compare the wiring diagram that most trailer mfgs place near the gooseneck with the way the plug is actually wired.
As mentioned in an earlier post, if an adapter is being used it would be the first thing to evaluate.
Posted 2007-07-06 9:10 AM (#63382 - in reply to #63340) Subject: RE: E-brakes come on with taillights
Member
Posts: 37
We just had this happen pullng a trailer.As soon as we turned the lights for the night the brakes came on.It ended up being wired wrong in the trailer.But since you said it did this to another trailer also makes me think it's in the truck somewhere.
Posted 2007-07-07 8:31 AM (#63420 - in reply to #63340) Subject: RE: E-brakes come on with taillights
Elite Veteran
Posts: 798
Location: Tenn/Ala.
If memory serves me- I saw a spec of 100 ft/lb. on the bolts for the coupler stem. Too tight, and the tube distorts. If it is a real heave trailer, most mfg. have taken to putting a spacer around the coupler to keep it from collapsing on the truck bed. And of course with the new DOT regulations, the lock pin removes all doubt.
RTSmith