Towing lights problem

[Madcatter]

I recently purchased a Patrol and towed my van only to notice the brake lights do not work. Parking and indicating lights work. The only thing that I can think of is the previous owner removed an electric brake controller. Without having had too much of a look I think he just cut the wires from the controller and that was it. Would that prevent the brake lights from working?

Thanks in advance

Cheers

MC

[Yendor]

Is it the brake lights on your van only that don't work? or do the brake lights on your Patrol also not work?

[Madcatter]

Sorry, Good question. Just on the Van.

[Yendor]

I don't think the removing of the electric brake controller is the cause of your problem, the electric brakes use a separate wire to the brake lights through the trailer plug.

If your van lights and wiring are ok then you problem is more then likely because scotch-locks were used to connect your trailer plug harness into the vehicle harness or a bad or loose connection in the trailer plug or the trailer plug has been wired incorrectly.

[Silver]

Or it could be that there is a problem in the plug at the tow bar. If the male pins on that plug are split, they can be gently eased a little wider. That often helps make a good connection from plug to plug.

If you had access to a helper on the brake pedal, and a test light or multi meter, you could confirm you are getting power to the socket.

[Madcatter]

Thanks for the advice. Silver you were bang on. I just eased them open a little and it worked a treat.

Thanks again to those that replied.

Cheers and beers.

[Yendor]

Good stuff, I 'm glad you go it sorted.