QuestionI have a new 7x16' cargo trailer and all the exterior lights work but the interior cargo lights are not working. They worked when hooked up to another truck but not to my 2000 GMC. Is there a separate fuse that runs these lights? If not, what could be causing the problem? Any help would be great. Also, how hard is it to install a brake control in a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500?
AnswerChad,
If you are using the factory installed wiring harness, (all GM p/u since 2000 have the harness installed, just not always a trailer plug on the end. Look above the spare tire, clipped to the rear crossmember), the truck will have a charge wire that will power the interior lights.
You will need to install a J-Case fuse under the hood. Pull the ~12"x12" cover off the fuse box. There will be a red plastic block in the slot at the forward-right most corner of the fuse block. Pull this block out and replace it with a J-Case 40A fuse. There may be a factory inspection sticker overlapping this fuse, just tear it off.
If this doesn't fix the problem, you will need to connect the charge wire inside the fuse box. Remove the four bolts holding the corner brace from the fender to the wiper cowl. Remove the cover around the fuse box by pulling out on the right hand side of the box (two clips) and pulling the cover straight up. Now connect the red wire that is loose with a ring terminal to the small power post near the fuse that was mentioned earlier. You may also want to plug in the two sides of the blue wire so that your brake control will work. Reinstall everything and you're done.
Keep in mind that this wire draws power straight off your truck's battery and it is possible to kill the truck battery by overusing the dome lights in the trailer.
Best of luck,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca/
