Forum Discussion

drifterpilot's avatar
drifterpilot
Explorer
Nov 02, 2016

Running Lights/Brake Lights Light Bar Installation

We just purchased 2016 Chevy Malibu to tow.
The baseplate, electrical connector and breakaway have been installed.
The problem is the LED taillight assy. With LED's, you cannot tap into the tail light wiring as has been done previously.
I am looking for an LED brake/tail light light bar to mount/lay in the Malibu rear window deck. The light bar will be tied into the wiring coming from the installed electrical connector on the front of the car.
I am looking for an appropriate light bar but haven't found one yet.
Anybody done this yet?
Thanks

8 Replies

  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Nov 03, 2016
    We currently tow a Toyota RAV4 with LED tail and brake lights. I had no problems connecting the diode protected wiring from our motorhome into the RAV's LED wiring. Instead of routing wires all the way to the back, I tied them in behind the drivers side kick panel. I also have the lights fully wired so the amber turn signals work normally as do the brake lights and high center brake light.
  • drifterpilot's avatar
    drifterpilot
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2016
    Yes, the tail lights are LED's. We are going to be running a separate wire from the harness installed in the front of the car to the LED light bar. I have engaged a business who installs baseplates and towing wire harness's.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Nov 02, 2016
    As long as the bulb is a standard incandescent bulb, you can wire it to operate with relays. You must use 5 pin relays. You will need 4 of them (running, brake, left and right).

    Cut the "hot" wire going to the bulb/socket. Crimp on a female spade/"faston" connector on both ends. Make sure to use fully insulated connectors or heat shrink tubing.



    • The wire going to the bulb connects to pin 30
    • The wire coming from the rest of the towed vehicle goes to 87A
    • The wire from the towing vehicle goes to pin 87 AND pin 86
    • Pin 85 goes to ground



    EDIT : If any of the bulbs are "true" LEDs (not the aftermarket add in ones), like possibly the high mount brake lamps, it is a trickier. You need a current limiting resistor and the size of the resistor depends on the requirements of the LED(s)
  • Healeyman's avatar
    Healeyman
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2016
    Ivylog wrote:
    Do a Google search... it cannot be done... the system is too smart.


    Thanks SO much for your generous offer of information.

    "Look it up." Golly Gee.... I wish that I had thought of that alternative. Since you are SO up on the topic, exactly what search paramater would you suggest that I use to find definitive information?

    Tim
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2016
    If you are using an umbilical cord from the Winnie to the car and then wired to the rear window deck to two stop/tail lights that should work but most likely you'll have to make a mount to fit the rear window deck. There are a lot of after market LED brake/tail lights available.

    Try This Link.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Nov 02, 2016
    Healeyman wrote:
    drifterpilot wrote:
    With LED's, you cannot tap into the tail light wiring as has been done previously.


    Why not?

    Tim

    Do a Google search... it cannot be done... the system is too smart.

    I would mount two lights on the back of the car and run wires under the car to them. I would not worry about a third light as the MH's lights are high enough.
    If you are not going to tow very often then magnetic lights on the roof but you have to keep the wires from flapping in the breeze.
  • Healeyman's avatar
    Healeyman
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2016
    drifterpilot wrote:
    With LED's, you cannot tap into the tail light wiring as has been done previously.


    Why not?

    Tim

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,141 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 14, 2025